Blood in the stool
My daughter had a baby five months ago and has blood in her stool. What could cause this?
The discovery of blood in the stool due to rectal bleeding is an indication of trauma to the area, the problem is often harmless and self-limiting, however there is some cause for concern and further investigation is warranted.
The color of the blood will help to indicate where the problem is originating. Blood which is bright red in color means that the site of injury is close to the anus, rectum or sigmoid colon. If the color of the blood is darker then the site of injury is further up the colon in the transverse colon. Blood which is dark and tarry may be an indication that the bleeding occured in the upper gastrointestinal tract (ulcers, inflammation).
There are many reasons as to why blood may be present in the stool, some of the causes are:
- haemorrhoids
- perforation of the bowel wall
- cancer or a precancerous condition
- anal fissures
- inflammation
- colon polyps
- ulcers
- diverticulitis
- Crohns Disease
This problem may also have occured due to the recent birthing process which can often cause tears in the bowel walls which can be slow in healing or re-perforated due to straining and constipation.
It is recommended to see a Healthcare professional who can give the support and assistance this requires in regards to diet, lifestyle, medications, supplements and exercise. A Naturopath will take into consideration past and present health history and family history and tailor make a regime that best suits in regards to improving her health. It is also recommended to consider having a rectal examination, anoscopy or colonoscopy to further determine the reason behind rectal bleeding.
The following may assist in helping the bowels and reduce any irritation
- Prevent constipation by using a stool softener such as Aloe Vera juice, slippery elm powder or oats (porridge).
- Ensure adequate fibre in the diet to encourage regular movement of the bowels.
- Psyllium husks may be taken with a large glass of water at night to encourage bowel movement and elimination of feces in constipation. Please ensure that you are not dehydrated (drink plenty of water) if you decide to take psylllium.
- Ensure adequate hydration (at least 2 liters/ day) to keep stools from drying out and hardening which contributes to straining and possible bowel
- Begin each day with a warm glass of water with 1/2 lemon squeezed in it. Lemon has a particular benefit to the health of the bowels as it cleanses the walls and stimulates peristaltic action.
- Reduce red meat/ connective tissue consumption as this slows down bowel transit time and increases the risk of complications.
- Increase raw fruits and vegetables in the diet to encourage bowel movement, tonify the bowels and increase fiber. Fruits and vegetables which have a demulcent (soothing) effect on the bowels and improve digestion include papaya, bananas, pineapple, lemons, beetroots and apples.
- Take an acidophilius supplement to recorrect and recolonise the bowels with healthy bacteria and to reduce constipation.
- To improve the integrity of the bowel walls and provide demulcent effects use the following recipe - 1/2 teaspoon of slippery elm powder, Zinc liquid, glutamine powder and 1/2 teaspoon of acidophilius powder. Combine all in a small glass of water or apple juice and take twice/ day, 10 minutes before meals for a period of 3-4 months.
- Take Aloe Vera juice to soften the stools, provide direct anti-inflammatory action to the tissues, soothe the tissue irritation and has a gentle laxative action.
- Herbal teas such as Chamomile, Peppermint, Fennel, Licorice, Aniseed may help to improve digestion, constipation and bowel health.
- Take fish oil capsules as these may help the bowels to stay moist and lubricated and also contain potent anti-inflammatory's.
- Improve liver and digestive function if these are a contributing factor with herbs such as St Marys, Dandelion, Bupleurum, Schizandra, Gentian, Meadowsweet, Cardamon, Agrimony, Golden Seal (wound healing), Cinnamon, Rhubarb and Atractylodes.
- Topically you may like to apply an ointment to help the area to heal if there are haemorrhoids or a lesion close to the anus. Creams which contain the following may be of assistance - Arnica, Calendula, Witch Hazel or Manuka honey.
- Take a Vitamin C and bioflavinoid powder as these anti-oxidants may help to encourage bowel movement, elimination of wastes, peristalsis, improve bowel wall integrity, cleansing and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Avoid straining and pressure when moving your bowels and remember that exercise is a great way to move the bowels.