Fiber powder may help incontinence

DEAR DOCTOR K: Sometimes my bowel movement leaks onto my undergarments. What can I do to control this?

DEAR READER: Take heart – you are not alone. Depending on how fecal, or bowel, incontinence is defined, some studies have found that 10 percent or more of adults in the United States (not including people living in institutions) have this condition. And there are many things you can do to prevent it.

If your bowel movements tend to be loose and watery, and come frequently, start with some changes to your diet. For example, specific foods may be triggering your diarrhea. Try cutting out or reducing these common triggers: cured or smoked meats; spicy foods; fatty and greasy foods; fruits; dairy products; alcohol; caffeine; sweeteners such as sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol and fructose (found in many diet drinks, fruit drinks, sugarless gums and candies).

Take a daily fiber supplement. Over-the-counter products like Metamucil or Citrucel are found in any drugstore. More recently, tasteless powdered fiber supplements have become available over-the-counter in drugstores as well. They dissolve more completely in liquids and can be added to any hot or cold liquid you drink – and you won’t know they’re there. Several of my patients tell me they’ve had great results.

Drink plenty of liquid with the fiber supplement to help control diarrhea. This may seem counterintuitive, but the fiber absorbs the water and prevents leakage of watery stool.

Your medications could also be contributing to your diarrhea and incontinence. Discuss all of your medications with your doctor.