Irregular Bowel Movements

Seems like over the past month my bowel movements have gotten a little irregular.  Not sure if this has anything to do with diet so any help would be appreciated.

About a month ago I decided it was time to get in shape.  Am 34 years old and in relatively good health.  I started watching what I was eating and tried to eat more healthy foods.  Things like granola, fruits, drink more water etc...  Less fast food.

All of a sudden my bowel movements increased from once a day to three to four times a day.  Started to have lots of gas and my stools were much softer and sometimes sticky.  I also had a hemrroid about that time so not sure if this is all related.  Sometimes I have a pretty frequent itch because of this.

Thanks in advance.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Increasing the fiber in the diet can change the frequency of bowel movements as well as changing the consistency of the stool.  

If the symptoms worsen, you can consider a lower endoscopy (either flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) for a more thorough evaluation.  This test can also evaluate for the possibility of hemorrhoids.  

Possibilities can include irritable bowel disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or malabsorption.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[Ellie1523]

A related discussion, Hard Stools was started.