The number of bowel movements you have each day depends on a number of factors, and you probably know what number is normal for you. But if you have recently seen an increase in the frequency of your bowel movements, it is important to rule out any food causes so that you can determine whether some other problem might be to blame.
Insoluble Fiber
Physicians frequently suggest increasing fiber consumption when you experience constipation. However, too much fiber may have you heading to the bathroom every few hours. Insoluble fiber, found in whole wheat and many raw vegetables, helps ease digestion. Occasionally, digestion may become too easy, resulting in excessive bowel movements.
Fatty Foods
Fatty and greasy foods like red meat and fried foods can cause the digestive system to go into overdrive. Often your body simply cannot digest and absorb all the fat in extremely high-fat meals, which can cause an increase in bowel movements. Monitor the amount of butter and oils you use in your foods, and cut back where possible. Choose grilling over frying, and opt for low-fat or nonfat options of your favorite foods to get your digestive system back on track.
Dairy
Lactose is a sugar found in milk and many dairy products, and many people have a difficult time digesting lactose. In fact, according to a report in USA Today, 60 percent of adults worldwide cannot digest milk properly. People of Native American, Asian and African descent are the most likely to experience problems from lactose, but anyone may experience excessive bowel movements from consuming dairy products.
Spicy Food
The capsaicin found in spicy foods does more than irritate your tongue; it can also irritate your stomach. When you eat spicy foods, your stomach creates an excessive amount of acid to help digest the irritating food. According to Dr. Frank Jackson, spicy foods can cause diarrhea the morning after you consume them.
Caffeine
Caffeine speeds most of the body's regulatory processes, from heart rate to digestion. If you consume a higher amount of caffeine than usual, you can expect to see an increase in the frequency of your bowel movements. Consider drinking decaffeinated or caffeine-free beverages, and limit your chocolate consumption. If this does not help after a few days, another factor is likely to blame.
References
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; High and Low Fiber Diets; Nancy Ling; 2011
- AIDS.org; Diarrhea; 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet; November 2009
- "USA Today"; Sixty Percent of Adults Can't Digest Milk; Elizabeth Weise; September 2009
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: Diarrhea
- Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; Diarrhea; Frank W. Jackson, M.D.
