How to Prevent Red Poop

Now that we have explored the causes of red poop, let's talk about the prevention of red poop. Prevent red poop by following these three rules.

Prevent Red Poop: Rules
>Eat a high fiber, low fat diet.
>Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
>Avoid using anti-inflammatory drugs.

Following these three rules reverses the problems that cause red poop, making it easier for you to pass stools.

Rule 1#: Prevent red poop by eating a high fiber, low fat diet.
The first-and most crucial-step in preventing red poop is to eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fat. Why? Fiber adds water to the stools, making it softer and easier to pass. Straining, which is often associated with hard stools, increases the risk of causing anal fissures or small tears around the anus, causing it to bleed and creating red poop.

The easiest way to prevent red poop is to load up on fiber, paired with eight full glasses of water every day.

To get your daily fix, aim for 25 grams of fiber if you are a woman. If you are a man, aim for 38 grams. Fiber rich foods include apples, strawberries, potatoes, wheat bran, cereal, and dried beans. According to WebMD.com, wheat bran is your best bet-it also acts as a natural laxative, which softens and adds bulk to the stool, making it easier to go.

If you want to prevent red poop, aim for 25 to 38 grams of fiber per day and keep hydrated. Your goal here is to add water to your stools, which softens it and decreases anal fissures.

Rule 2#: Prevent red poop by avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol.
Here's another reason to quit smoking and drinking. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), smoking is linked to peptic ulcers and cancer in the gastrointestinal tract, which causes internal bleeding. If left untreated, it can cause dark red or black poop.

What about alcohol? It's even worse. Drinking too much irritates the stomach lining, making you more susceptible to internal bleeding. If you must drink, drink in moderation-and don't aim to get buzzed.

If you want to prevent red poop, lower your risk of developing internal bleeding. Quit smoking and moderate your alcohol use.

Rule #3: Prevent red poop by avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs.
Although anti-inflammatory drugs prevent some pain, the pain it causes is worse. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, actually cause bleeding and stomach irritation if used regularly in excessive amounts. Internal bleeding, as you know, causes dark, tarry red stools.

To prevent red poop, do not use ibuprofen or aspirin regularly. If you must, use it sparingly when you have moderate or severe pain. See a doctor if you constantly use these drugs for chronic pain.

If you still experience red poop after following these rules, see a doctor. Red poop that continues for a week or more can indicate a serious, life threatening condition. Preventing red poop early with treatment is the key for preventing permanent, lifelong damage.

Sources:
"Dietary Fiber for Constipation", WebMD.com
"Bloody or tarry stools", nlm.nih.gov