“Make a list of what you eat for a few days.
You may discover a connection between certain foods
and your bouts of incontinence”.1

Umbrella
What may the Bowel Incontinence Pattern Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Accidental Bowel Leakage (ABL)
  • Anal Incontinence
  • Bowel Continence
  • Bowel Control Problems
  • Bowel Incontinence
  • Constipation
  • Faecal/Fecal Incontinence (FI)
  • Incontinence (Fecal/Bowel)
  • Poor Bowel Control

Bowel Incontinence

Is there an association between certain foods and bowel incontinence?

In Dietary Tips the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders explain:

“Certain foods are known to stimulate gut reactions in general, and in those with bowel incontinence, or accidental bowel leakage (ABL), eating too much of these might provoke unwanted reactions.

For example, meals that are too large or high in fat, fried foods, coffee, caffeine, or alcohol may provoke symptoms of abdominal cramps and diarrhea”.2

Foods and Drinks

What are common foods and drinks linked to bowel incontinence?

In Fecal Incontinence: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies: Dietary Changes – Keeping Track of What You Eat the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

Bowel Incontinence Pattern“Foods can cause diarrhea or gas and worsen fecal incontinence. Common culprits include spicy foods, fatty and greasy foods, and dairy products. Caffeine-containing beverages and alcohol also can act as laxatives. Other foods that have a laxative effect include sugar-free gum and diet soda, which contain artificial sweeteners”.3

Look for A Pattern

How can I Look for A Pattern with bowel incontinence? Bowel Incontinence Pattern

In Fecal Incontinence: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies: Dietary Changes the Mayo Clinic note:

“You may be able to gain better control of your bowel movements by:

  • Keeping track of what you eat. What you eat and drink affects the consistency of your stools. Make a list of what you eat for a few days. You may discover a connection between certain foods and your bouts of incontinence. Once you’ve identified problem foods, stop eating them and see if your incontinence improves”.4

In Fecal (Bowel Incontinence): Management and Treatment – How Is Fecal Incontinence Treated or Managed? Dietary Changes the (United States) Cleveland Clinic elaborate on:

“You can change what you eat and drink to manage incontinence related to diarrhea or constipation. It’s a good idea to track what you consume daily, noting what foods or drinks make you less likely to have healthy bowel movements. Then, do everything you can to avoid them.

For diarrhea, avoid foods that can loosen your stools or make you have to go, including:

  • Caffeine, alcohol, some fruit juices and prunes
  • Beans and cabbage family vegetables
  • Spicy foods and cured or smoked meats
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Dairy products”.5

Diary

Where may I find a diary?

The website of the (United States) National Continence Foundation includes Incontinence Diaries: Using A Bladder Diary or Bowel Diary.

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help to look for a pattern with bowel incontinence?

In Fecal (Bowel Incontinence): Living With – A Note From Cleveland Clinic the Cleveland Clinic encourage us to seek help, explaining:

“From the time we were little, many of us learned it was bad manners to talk about poop or bathroom visits. Many people carry this mindset into adulthood — and feel ashamed of issues like incontinence. But the truth is, pooping is a normal part of your (and everyone else’s) health. And sometimes, maintaining good health requires discussing what’s going wrong with your provider. Don’t be ashamed to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. They can recommend treatments and strategies that can help you regain better control over your bowel movements”.6

Health Topics A-Z

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Sources

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Sources

  1. Fecal Incontinence: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies: Dietary Changes. 03 November 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fecal-incontinence/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351403 Accessed: 14 December 2023
  2. Incontinence Treatment: Dietary Tips. International Foundation of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders https://www.aboutincontinence.org/site/treatment/dietary-tips Accessed: 14 December 2023
  3. Fecal Incontinence: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies: Dietary Changes – Keeping Track of What You Eat. 03 November 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fecal-incontinence/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351403 Accessed: 14 December 2023
  4. Fecal Incontinence: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies: Dietary Changes. 03 November 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fecal-incontinence/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351403 Accessed: 14 December 2023
  5. Fecal (Bowel Incontinence): Management and Treatment – How Is Fecal Incontinence Treated or Managed? Dietary Changes. Last Reviewed: 10 October 2023. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence Accessed: 14 December 2023
  6. Fecal (Bowel Incontinence): Living With – A Note from Cleveland Clinic. Last Reviewed: 10 October 2023. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence Accessed: 14 December 2023
Topic Last Updated: 14 December 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 14 December 2023

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