Remedy for blood in stools

I have light colour blood in my stools. No pain, but stomach bloating. What do you suggest?


There are several causes of blood in the stools. Bleeding could be caused by a relatively minor problem such as damage caused to a blood vessel during bowel movements. It could also be the result of a more serious condition such as diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease.

A light coloring of blood in the stools is probably something minor that may happen on occasion. It is caused by a little bit of blood in the stools, probably the result of a damaged blood vessel. This may result from constipation or the passage of hard stools. Certain foods such as beet or licorice may also be the culprit so you should make sure that this isn’t the case before trying any of the remedies suggested here.

A bloated feeling in the stomach in addition to the reddened stools may be a sign of a functional bowel syndrome such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Diagnosing the exact cause of these symptoms can be a tricky affair which is why you should consult your doctor should the symptoms persist. Your doctor will be able to rule out the more serious causes of these symptoms.

The best home remedies for bloating and blood in the stools involve making dietary changes. These natural cures will help even in severe cases.

The first change regards your intake of dietary fiber.  There is a chance that you are not getting enough fiber in your diet. Fiber is good for the digestive system and helps to regularize your bowels. To increase your fiber intake, you should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. The Institute of Medicine attached to the National Academy of Sciences recommends a daily fiber intake of between 21 to 38 grams.

Consuming more than this amount is not recommended as it can cause bloating and interfere with the absorption of minerals. If your diet is deficient in fiber, then you should introduce fiber slowly into your diet to avoid bloating and abdominal discomfort. Be sure to drink plenty of water.

Fiber supplements are also available. However, supplement can be of two types, those containing soluble fiber and those with insoluble fiber. The latter may interfere with the absorption of minerals so care should be taken while taking fiber supplements. Getting your fiber from a wide range of foods is the best way to ensure that you get enough of water soluble fiber.

Reference:

  1. http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Anorectal-Disorders-Program/Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx

answered by M W

It is important to determine what is causing the blood in your stools by seeing a health care practitioner who can help determine the cause(s). Blood in stools can result from a variety of conditions, some of which are less serious than others. Your stomach bloating may/may not be related to the blood in your stools. Once the cause(s) are identified, then a good treatment plan can be developed. Many people do not like to go to a doctor under any circumstances, but in this case some reasonable tests may improve the quality of your life significantly.

answered by Dr K B N


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