The muscles which control bowel function are under the control of the brain and the spinal cord. In MS, there may be an interruption of the nerve transmission that is necessary for normal defecation. The most common bowel problems associated with MS are constipation and incontinence.

These two problems may often be managed by developed certain “bowel habits”:

Drink lots of fluids

• Drink 8-12 cups per day of fluids, except coffee, tea or alcohol

Eat a high fiber diet

• fruit with skin
• vegetables
• bran cereal
• shredded wheat, nuts or seeds
• add raw bran to cereal, applesauce, soups, yogurt, or casseroles.

Establish a bowel program

• Have a bowel movement shortly after a meal
• Schedule 15-30 mins of uninterrupted time
• Drink warm liquids to stimulate colon (prune juice, coffee or tea)
• ADHERE TO YOUR SCHEDULE.

Minimize the detrimental effects of incontinence

• Take good care of your skin to avoid skin breakdown:
• Gently clean areas that have come in contact with urine and feces.
• Use products that keep moisture away from skin.