Holding it in can harm your health as Thai singer’s story warns

BANGKOK, Thailand — For many working people, going to the toilet can seem like something that can wait. A meeting runs late, traffic is crawling, a long journey has no convenient stop, or work is simply too busy to take a break. Drinking water may also be limited to avoid having to find a toilet. But when these habits become routine, they can contribute to constipation and other problems affecting the digestive system. The issue has gained attention following the experience shared by well-known Thai luk thung singer Sunaree Ratchasima, who revealed that years of limiting her water intake and holding in bowel movements were followed later in life by serious problems requiring surgery on her large intestine. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sunaree recently spoke about her experience on the “Chae Hot” program, explaining that during her years as a travelling singer, she often deliberately drank less water to avoid stopping to use the toilet while travelling between performances. When she needed to have a bowel movement while working or travelling, she would often hold it in until a more convenient time. Later, after taking on a television judging role, she continued to spend long periods sitting in the same position and said she sometimes drank little water out of consideration for the production team. Although she enjoys eating vegetables, she also described a preference for strongly flavored foods and eating the same types of food repeatedly. Together with low water intake and years of holding in bowel movements, these habits continued for more than four decades. At the age of 58, she began experiencing severe cramping abdominal pain. A colon examination found serious inflammation in the large intestine, with narrowing caused by swollen tissue that left the passage extremely small. She ultimately required surgery to remove and reconnect part of the colon. Why bowel habits matter Holding in a bowel movement can allow more water to be absorbed from stool while it remains in the colon, making it harder and more difficult to pass. Repeatedly ignoring the urge to go can also contribute to constipation and disrupt normal bowel habits. Not drinking enough fluids can make constipation worse, particularly when combined with insufficient dietary fibre and limited physical activity. Long periods of sitting can also slow normal bowel movement, while busy schedules and stress can affect eating, drinking and toilet habits. However, serious conditions such as ischemic colitis, in which part of the colon receives insufficient blood flow, can have many causes. Dehydration may be a contributing factor in some circumstances, but holding in bowel movements should not be presented as a direct cause. Four signs that should not be ignored People who regularly experience constipation or changes in their bowel habits should pay attention to persistent symptoms. 1. Unusual stools Small, hard stools can be a sign of constipation. Persistent changes in stool appearance should be discussed with a doctor, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms. 2. Repeated or severe abdominal cramps Strong or recurring abdominal pain, especially when it does not improve or is accompanied by other symptoms, should not simply be treated with painkillers without medical advice. 3. Constipation alternating with diarrhoea Changes between constipation and diarrhoea, a feeling of incomplete bowel movements or persistent abdominal discomfort may warrant medical assessment if they continue. 4. Blood in the stool Fresh blood, unusually dark or black stools, or repeated bleeding should be medically assessed rather than dismissed as an ordinary bowel problem. Five simple ways to look after your gut 1. Drink enough water: Maintain adequate fluid intake throughout the day. Individual needs vary depending on health, activity, weather and other factors, but regular hydration can help prevent constipation. 2. Do not routinely hold bowel movements: When the body signals that it is time to go, try to use the toilet rather than repeatedly postponing it. 3. Eat a varied, fibre-rich diet: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other sources of dietary fibre can support regular bowel movements. Increase fibre gradually and drink enough fluids. 4. Move during the working day: People who sit for long periods should get up, walk around and change position regularly. Physical activity can support normal bowel function. 5. Do not ignore persistent symptoms: Ongoing changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain or bleeding deserve medical attention. Colorectal screening may also be recommended based on age, family history and individual risk. The working day may not always make healthy habits convenient. Meetings, traffic, travel and long hours at a desk can all make people postpone basic needs. But drinking enough water, taking regular movement breaks and responding to the urge to use the toilet are simple habits that can support digestive health. The message is simple: do not make “I’ll go later” and “I’ll drink later” a daily routine. Small habits may be easy to ignore, but persistent changes in bowel function are worth taking seriously.