Your digestive system

Digestion is the process that changes the food we eat into nutrients that the body can use. When we're feeling healthy, we usually don't even think about how our digestion works. But when we're constipated, it can be very helpful to understanding more about our bodies.

Everybody is an individual - and this is true of digestion too! Different people have different digestive rhythms. Our bodies also change over time, and react to events around us. Because the digestive process is so complex and the colon is such a sensitive organ, we may notice changes in our digestion and wonder if this is normal. This section looks at what is considered healthy, normal digestion patterns. Of course, your health care professional is the best person to advise you if you notice any sudden changes, or if you experience discomfort or pain.

Healthy digestion

Everybody is an individual - and this is true of digestion too! Different people have different digestive rhythms. Our bodies also change over time, and react to events around us. Because the digestive process is so complex and the colon is such a sensitive organ, we may notice changes in our digestion and wonder if this is normal. This section looks at what is considered healthy, normal digestion patterns. Of course, your health care professional is the best person to advise you if you notice any sudden changes, or if you experience discomfort or pain.

Your body's individual rhythm

In the past, many people believed that having one bowel movement a day was essential to good health. Modern medicine has shown, however, that this is not the case. Some healthy people have three bowel movements a week; some have one a day, some more than one a day. All of these can be considered normal and healthy.

Healthy digestion

The check-list below presents the four main points for defining freedom from constipation:

- Do you move your bowels three times a week or more?

- Are you usually able to defecate without needing to strain?

- Are you usually able to defecate without needing to strain?

- Do you produce more than 30g (one ounce) of stool

If you answered "yes" to all these questions, then your digestion actually functions normally.  Please speak to your doctor about your digestion concerns, especially if you experience pain,  or if there is any sudden change in your digestion that lasts for more than two weeks.