How To Manage Bowel Incontinence With Diet And Lifestyle - Easy To Follow Guide
How can I manage bowel incontinence through my diet?
To manage bowel incontinence, focus on high-fibre foods like oats and pulses to bulk up stools, making them easier to control. Stay hydrated with water while limiting caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. Tracking your triggers with a food diary and consulting healthcare professionals are essential steps for regaining confidence.
Managing Bowel Incontinence: Dietary Tips and Expert Guidance
Living with bowel incontinence can feel overwhelming, and many people feel self-conscious or hesitant to ask for help. At Millercare, we want you to know there are no "silly questions." Whether you are looking for advice for yourself or a relative, our team is here to provide a reassuring, non-judgmental space to discuss your needs.
While bowel incontinence is a medical condition that should always be discussed with a GP or a continence specialist, simple dietary adjustments can often make a significant difference in your daily comfort and confidence.
1. Focus on Soluble Fibre
According to the NHS, fibre is essential, but the type of fibre matters. Soluble fibre is particularly helpful for bowel incontinence because it absorbs water and turns into a gel-like substance during digestion. This helps to "bulk" the stool, making it firmer and easier to control.
Foods to include: Oats (porridge is excellent), barley, peeled root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and pulses such as lentils and chickpeas.
2. Manage Insoluble Fibre Carefully
Insoluble fibre (often called "roughage") helps food pass through the digestive system. While healthy, too much of it can sometimes make loose stools worse for some disabled people.
Guidance: If you find your symptoms worsen with wholemeal bread or bran cereals, try switching to lower-fibre options temporarily while you identify your triggers.
3. Hydration is Key
It is a common myth that drinking less fluid will help "dry up" loose stools. In reality, dehydration can lead to constipation, which can actually cause "overflow" incontinence.
Aim for 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily. This ensures the fibre you eat can work effectively to create a healthy stool consistency.
4. Identify Trigger Foods
Certain foods act as natural laxatives or stimulants that can irritate the bowel. The latest NHS guidance suggests limiting:
Caffeine: Found in coffee, strong tea, and many energy drinks.
Artificial Sweeteners: Sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol (often found in "sugar-free" sweets or gum) can have a laxative effect.
Spicy Foods: Curries and hot spices can speed up the digestive process.
Alcohol: This can stimulate the gut and lead to urgency.
5. Keep a Food Diary
Because everyone’s body reacts differently, keeping a food diary for two weeks is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms. Note down what you eat and any subsequent changes in your bowel habits. This is a brilliant resource to show your GP or dietitian during a consultation.
6. Establish a Routine
Your bowel thrives on routine. Try to eat your meals at the same time each day and give yourself plenty of time to use the toilet after eating, particularly after breakfast, when the bowel is often most active.
How do you choose the right Incontinence product?
Finding the right incontinence products to manage your health and comfort can feel like a sensitive task, but at Millercare, our friendly team is here to make it as simple and stress-free as possible. We pride ourselves on offering discreet, non-judgmental advice, whether you are visiting one of our 15 North West showrooms or calling us from home.
We understand that for many, this is the first time seeking support for incontinence, and we want to reassure you that there are no "silly questions"—only solutions that help you regain your confidence. Our staff are experts in finding the right fit for your lifestyle, ensuring you feel supported and informed every step of the way.
We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality incontinence products designed to provide security and dignity, including:
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Incontinence Pads: Discreet options ranging from light liners to heavy-duty pads for maximum protection.
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Incontinence Pants: Pull-up styles and washable options that look and feel just like regular underwear.
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Bed and Chair Protection: Waterproof sheets and absorbent pads to keep your home environment comfortable and dry.
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Skin Care and Accessories: Specialist cleansers and barrier creams to protect sensitive skin and maintain hygiene.
Support Close to Home
If you need Incontinence product advice or want to see options in person, you can visit your nearest Millercare showroom in:
- Manchester
- Preston
- Oldham
- Warrington
- Stockport
- And more across the North West
Or contact us for discreet advice, we’re here to help.
Can you get VAT Exemption on incontinence products?
Yes, you can. Most incontinence products are eligible for 0% VAT because they are classified as medical aids for personal use. This includes:
- Disposable and washable pads and pants
- Bed and chair protection pads
- Urinals and collecting devices
Who is eligible?
You do not need to be "registered disabled" to qualify. To get the products VAT-free, you simply need to meet these conditions:
Personal Use: The items are for your own use (or you are buying them for a relative to use at home), not for a business or a commercial care home.
Chronic Condition: The person using them has a long-term condition. This includes chronic bowel or bladder incontinence.
Millercare can help you with VAT exemption
We make the process as simple as possible because we know you have enough to think about.
In our North West showrooms, our friendly staff can provide you with a simple VAT declaration form. You just need to sign it, stating the condition the products are for (e.g., "chronic incontinence"), and we will deduct the VAT immediately at the till.
When you shop at millercare.co.uk, you can select the VAT exemption option at the checkout.
Important Note: Some hygiene items like standard wipes, gloves, or skincare products are usually not eligible for VAT relief as they are considered "general use" items.
If you’re unsure whether a specific product qualifies or how to fill out the form, please don't hesitate to ask. You can call our team or pop into any of our North West showrooms and we’ll be happy to guide you through it. We’re here to make sure you get the support (and the savings) you’re entitled to.