The term Bowel Incontinence refers to involuntary bowel movements.  Bowel Incontinence often derives from having gas that leads to the loss of stool control and unintentional bowel movements.  The combination of nerves, muscles, and how they communicate plays a major role in how bowel movements are controlled.  The small intestine and large intestine work in conjunction for a successfully functioning digestive system.  The Rectum stores the stool while the Sphincter is the circular band of voluntary or involuntary muscles that surrounds the opening of the anus.  The External Sphincter consists of the voluntary muscles that allow you to control the stool.  Bowel Incontinence can occur when one or more parts of the digestive system, which controls waste elimination, is impaired or hindered from performing its usual function.   

There are some occasions when one might experience anal leakage or a situation that is similar to Bowel Incontinence.  When it becomes a reoccurring issue, it may be a sign of Fecal Incontinence.  Stool, mucus, and or other bodily fluids may involuntarily leave the anus area as a result of this condition.  The reoccurrence of the matter is typically the only sign for Bowel Incontinence.  Because Bowel Incontinence can occur from different things, it’s important to consider all the factors of your current health.   When it comes to Bowel Incontinence some of the signs can often be the cause of the condition when they’re excessive.

• Loss of control of bowels or gas
• Anal Itching
• Inability to hold bowel movements
• Skin Infection in buttocks area
• Passive Soiling (nothing felt to indicate that a bowel movement is about to occur)
• Anus Irritation
• Chronic Diarrhea
• Consistent Constipation
• Urinary Incontinence occurring
• Consistent Gas and Bloating
• Abdominal pain or cramps
   

Bowel Incontinence is caused by nerve and muscle damage to the anus area.  The damage could develop from underlying conditions or from different circumstances one may experience.  Most of the underlying conditions that cause Bowel Incontinence are often health ailments that affect the nerves.  Some of the causes are similar to the signs and symptoms that may appear ahead of time.  Bowel Incontinence can also develop from older age, as it is more common for women and those who are 65 and older to experience it.  Anytime a condition involves the digestive system, diet is likely to play a role in why it occurs.  

• Vaginal Childbirth
• Overuse of Laxatives
• Parasite Infection
• Poor Hygiene
• Hemorrhoids
• Medication
• Anal Sex
• Lack of Room in Rectum
• Loss of elasticity of anus
• Pelvic Injury
• Surgery complications
• Poor Diet
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Rectal Prolapse
• Rectocele (tissue wall between the rectum and vagina weakens)
• Anal Cancer
• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Conditions Related to digestion system (Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Chronic Diarrhea (easier for stool to leave rectum involuntarily)
• Consistent Constipation (weakens muscles of anus)
• Diabetes
• Radiation (from prostate treatments)

• There should always be a diet intervention whenever you’re trying to heal an issue within the digestive system.  Those with Bowel Incontinence should avoid eating foods that cause diarrhea or constipation.  Things like dairy, cured meats, spicy foods, or fried foods often change the texture of stool.  It's best to consume fibrous foods because they help maintain the stool's thickness without causing constipation.  It’s also best to eliminate alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners from the diet.  The body processes these foods as if they're laxatives, which alter the bowel movements.
• Bowel training is one remedy that helps reestablish the control of regular bowel movements.  There are rehabilitating professionals that teach specific skills and strategies that help the body develop routines in order to predict bowel movements.
• Keeping a track record of the foods you consume throughout the course of the day could be helpful.  This helps those with Bowel Incontinence identify which foods exactly cause gas or bowel changes like diarrhea.  People often overlook foods that they’re accustomed to eating, not knowing whether or not it contributes to the issue.  Keeping record is a great way to pin point foods that help with Incontinence and the foods that don’t.  We also recommend taking note of when bowel movements are under control and when they’re involuntarily.
• Consuming the recommended 8 ounces of water a day helps supply your body with the proper amount of hydration it needs.  Water is key when it comes to healthy bodily functions and how it repairs itself. When it comes to Bowel Incontinence, consuming the proper amount of water helps keep the stool firm. 
• Pelvic or Kegel exercises can help recondition the strength of the rectum muscles as well.  Engaging in these kind of exercises helps control bowel movements, addressing Bowel Incontinence first hand.  There are several pelvic exercises that can help.  Half way through urination, it is suggested to stop or slow down urinating to help locate muscles in either the rectum, the vagina, or penis.  Once you can stop or slow down urination, you’ve located the muscles and are strengthening them.  Another useful exercise is tightening the pelvic floor muscles while laying down, holding the contraction for three seconds on and off.  It’s important that you relax the other muscles in your body like the buttocks, legs, and abdomen when doing any pelvic exercises. 

• Avocado
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Olive Oil
• Cabbage
• Raspberries
• Spinach
• Celery
• Apples
• Kale
• Cashews
• Bananas
• Zucchini