Maggie O'Neill, HealthSource 2:02 p.m. PT June 20, 2017

Bowel movements can tell a variety of details about the eating habits of a person, including the type of food consumed, the diet that is generally followed and even whether supplements or medications are taken.(Photo: gpointstudio/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Like religion, politics and taxes, bowel movements fall into that realm of not-to-be-talked-about topics. However, bowel movements can tell a variety of details about the eating habits of a person, including the type of food consumed, the diet that is generally followed and even whether supplements or medications are taken.

"Bowel movements are part of our overall health," said Tiffany Barnett, M.D., a doctor in family medicine with Renown Health Premier Care. "Every person has a unique bowel habit and timing, and what is normal for one person may not be normal for their spouse or neighbor."

While it may be typical for one person to have a bowel movement up to three times a day, another person could have a bowel movement every two to three days, she said. However, a 'typical' bowel movement should be shaped and also be brown in color. It also should have a consistency much like soft serve ice cream, according to Barnett.

Nearly everyone knows the results and unpleasant effects of stools that are not regularly consistent. When stools become too loose, diarrhea occurs, but when stools become too hard constipation is the result, Barnett said. Many causes for constipation exist and not just inadequate fiber intake. Other factors include changes in the diet, dehydration, decreased mobility, pregnancy, travel and narcotics, she said.

It is when stools change from their typical appearance or when they cause discomfort during a bowel movement that it may be time to see a doctor.

"Most people do not think much about [bowel movements] too much and that is how it should be," said Erik DeJonghe, an M.D. at Digestive Health Reno. "A change is always important from previous habits and should be looked at."

Changes in stool can occur for a variety of reasons. One cause is medication, particularly medication that has been prescribed for cholesterol, depression, chronic pain or hypertension, said DeJonghe, who also has a master's degree in public health. Another cause for a change is a viral or bacterial infection. Additionally, a chronic illness like diabetes or even a thyroid malfunction, can lead to changes in stool. Alcohol, chewing gum, caffeine, nicotine and soda also can have effects on stools.

"Certain medications, supplements and food items can cause harmless changes in bowel movement color and consistency," Barnett said.

The color of stools can change day to day, depending on what was consumed. Consider that iron supplements and Pepto-Bismol can turn stools gray or black in color, as can medications and supplements,DeJonghe said.

Stools that are yellow-ish in color can be a reflection of excessive fat in consumed foods. Red-colored stools can be the result of eating beets, cranberries, Jell-O or red juices. Green-colored stools, along with diarrhea, indicate that the bile in the body has not had enough time to do its job, which isto break down food,DeJonghe said. Clay-colored stools signal that the bile in the body is not flowing properly, he said.

One of the best ways to stay regular is to consume 20-35 grams of fiber-rich foods daily, Barnett said. Not sure which foods fall into this category? Beans, fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains are among the fiber-rich options. And, of course, there are lower-fiber foods that should be avoided, particularly when the aim is to become more regular. Items on this list include cheese, ice cream, meat and processed foods. High sugar foods also should be avoided, she said.

Water is an essential component to good digestion and good bowel movements, too.

"You should also drink at least 64 ounces of water each day, reduce stress, exercise daily, avoid reliance on laxatives and do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement," Barnett said.

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'Normal' bowel movements vary from person to person - Reno Gazette Journal