What factors affect the defecation process?

Factors affecting the defecation process include diet, intestinal function, lifestyle habits, psychological state, medication effects, and others. These factors influence bowel movements by regulating intestinal motility and stool characteristics, so it is important to pay attention to your own bowel patterns. If persistent constipation, diarrhea, or abnormal bowel movements occur, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

1. Diet: Insufficient dietary fiber intake leads to reduced stool volume, while inadequate fluid intake causes dry stools—both can easily trigger constipation. Excessive consumption of spicy or irritating foods may stimulate the intestinal mucosa, leading to diarrhea or discomfort during defecation.

2. Intestinal Function: Slow intestinal motility prolongs stool retention time, resulting in excessive water absorption and constipation. Imbalances in gut microbiota or intestinal inflammation can disrupt normal intestinal motility rhythms, causing abnormal bowel movements.

3. Lifestyle Habits: Lack of physical activity reduces propulsion for intestinal motility. Prolonged sitting and habitual suppression of bowel urges decrease intestinal sensitivity, while irregular defecation disrupts the gut's biological clock—all negatively affecting normal bowel function.

4. Psychological State: Chronic anxiety, tension, and high stress levels can affect intestinal function via the brain-gut axis, inhibiting intestinal motility and causing difficulty with bowel movements. Depressive mood may also be associated with reduced appetite and impaired gut motility, contributing to abnormal defecation.

5. Medication Effects: Certain medications such as antibiotics, antihypertensives, and painkillers may disrupt gut microbiota, suppress intestinal motility, or alter stool consistency, leading to bowel issues like constipation or diarrhea. Symptoms often improve after discontinuation of the medication.

In daily life, ensure adequate intake of dietary fiber and fluids, establish a routine for regular bowel movements, engage moderately in activities such as walking and abdominal massage to promote intestinal motility, maintain emotional well-being, and avoid long-term reliance on medications for bowel regulation.