Constipation is a condition in which you may have:

• Fewer than three bowel movements a week.
• Stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy.
• Stools that are difficult or painful to pass.
• A feeling that not all stool has passed.

However, people can have different bowel movement patterns, and only you know what’s normal for you. Constipation is not a disease but may be a symptom of another medical problem. Constipation may last for a short or long time.

A digestive system related disorder in which a person experiences hard feces, which are difficult to eliminate; it may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (fecal impaction) lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction. Obstipation refers to severe Constipation. Causes of Constipation may be Dietary, Hormonal, the side effect of medications, illness or disorder, and anatomical.

Treatment,

is with a change in dietary and exercise habits. The pain can be even worse if you have Haemorrhoids or Anal Fissure. In common Constipation, the stool is hard and difficult to pass. Usually, there is an infrequent urge to void. Straining to pass the stool may cause Haemorrhoids and anal fissures.

In later Stages of Constipation,

The abdomen may become distended and diffusely tender and crampy, occasionally with enhanced bowel sounds. Constipation is usually easier to prevent than to treat. Constipation is most common in children and older people and affects women more than men. One in 200 women has severe, continuous Constipation and it is most common before a period and in pregnancy.

2. What Causes Constipation?

To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works.

• As food moves through it, the colon absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool.
• Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum.
• By the time the stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.

The hard and dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water. This happens because the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly.

Constipation occurs when you have fewer than three bowel movements a week. Constipation can occur in anyone – it is not a disease – and it does not occur only in people with certain illnesses. Most people experience constipation at one time or another – even infants. Below is a list of the most common causes of constipation.

A. Some Common Causes of Constipation Are:

• Lack of exercise – most often in the elderly and invalid.
• Medications – constipation is often a side effect of medications.
• Lack of fiber in the diet.
• Dairy products – milk and cheese often cause constipation in people.
• Lack of fluids – dehydration can cause constipation.
• Illnesses – certain diseases and illnesses can cause constipation, especially those illnesses, such as stroke, that can cause parts of your body not to function properly.
• Ignoring the urge – constipation is often caused by repeatedly ignoring the body’s urge to defecate.
• Irregular eating patterns – constipation can be avoided by eating regular meals at around the same time each day.
• Tiredness – lack of rest can often cause constipation.
• Stress – nervousness, tension, and worry often cause constipation.

B. Diet:

The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and high in fats found in cheese, eggs, and meats. People who eat plenty of high-fiber foods are less likely to become constipated.

Fiber-soluble and insoluble the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes almost unchanged through the intestines. The bulk and soft texture of fiber help prevent hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

On average,

Americans eat about 5 to 20 grams of fiber daily, short of the 20 to 35 grams recommended by the American Dietetic Association. Both children and adults eat too many refined and processed foods in which the natural fiber is removed.

A low-fiber diet also plays a key role in constipation among older adults. They often lack interest in eating and may choose fast foods low in fiber. In addition, loss of teeth may force older people to eat soft foods that are processed and low in fiber.

C. Not Enough Liquids:

Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should drink enough of these liquids every day, about eight 8-ounce glasses. Other liquids, like coffee and soft drinks, that contain caffeine seem to have a dehydrating effect.

D. Lack of Exercise:

Lack of Exercise Lack of exercise can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know precisely why. For example, constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise. managing constipation

Tips To Be Active Every day:

• You can start with 10 minutes at a time and gradually increase the time you spend.
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week. This type of activity makes your heart beat faster.
• Limiting the time you spend in front of the TV or computer may help you be more active.

E. Medications:

Pain medications (especially narcotics), antacids that contain aluminum, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics, and anticonvulsants for epilepsy can slow passage of bowel movements.

Read more about constipation causes, treatments, and prevention!

3. Signs And Symptoms:

Constipation symptoms include the following:

• Difficulty passing feces.
• Stools that are hard, dry, and small.
• Less than 3 bowel movements per week.
• Less than 1 bowel movement per week in severe cases.
• Bloating.
• Painful passing of feces.

In severe cases, the following constipation symptoms may be present:

• Foul Breath.
• Headache.
• Coated Tongue.
• Dizziness.
• Loss of Appetite.
• Nausea.
• Depression.
• Ulcers in the mouth.
• Dark circles under eyes.
• Pimples on the face.
• Pain in the lumbar area.
• Acidity.
• Heartburn.
• Insomnia.

Chronic Constipation can lead to many other health problems:

• Bowel Impaction.
• Re-absorption of toxins into the bloodstream.
• Headaches.
• Malnutrition.
• Indigestion.
• Hemorrhoids from straining.
• Varicose veins.
• Diverticulosis.
• Irritability.
• Bowel cancer.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Abdominal pains.
• Depression.
• Weight gain.

Best Foods to Help With Constipation:

If you suffer from any of the symptoms on the list, then you would greatly benefit by eating more of the foods that are on the foods that relieve constipation list below and avoid doing the things and eating the foods that cause constipation that I have also listed below.

Anti-Constipation Foods:

One of the keys to proper bowel health free from constipation is eating a diet that is high in fiber and low in fats and sugar. Although they have been scoffed at for generations, the Scots swear by the daily bowl of porridge or oatmeal. managing constipation

1. Oatmeal:

Oatmeal is a ‘super-food’, packed with water-soluble fiber and B vitamins. Just adding a daily bowl to your diet can have an immediate impact on bowel health. But truly eliminating chronic constipation will take more than just a daily bowl of oatmeal. You will need to add other high fiber foods to your diet. Which other foods are high-fiber heroes?

2. Lentils:

• The biggest heroes in anti-constipation foods are lentils, beans, and legumes.
• Artichokes, peas, and broccoli score high in the vegetable category.
• Raspberries pears and apples are high fiber fruits.
• Whole wheat spaghetti, oat bran, brown rice all join oatmeal in high fiber grain categories.

3. Whole Grains:

Small changes can really contribute to the elimination of chronic constipation.

• Consider switching to whole wheat or multi-grain bread.
• Add a pear or apple to your lunch bag. Make lentil soup for supper.
• You will be surprised how easy it is to add high fiber foods once you are paying attention.

”In some cases, chronic constipation cannot be cleared by changing diet alone. In these cases, you will need to take an all-natural colon cleanser to help your body restore normal bowel function.”

Once you have cleansed your colon and added anti-constipation foods to your diet you should see a great improvement in your health and vitality. You will have more energy, less aches, and pains and just generally feel stronger. There is no reason to live with the pain and discomfort of bowel dysfunction. Make the needed changes to your lifestyle and diet today.

These foods tend to have a natural laxative effect (some foods more than others):

• Almonds.
• Apricots.
• Avocados.
• Chicory.
• Coconut.
• Dandelion leaves.
• Dates.
• Endive.
• Figs.
• Flaxseed.
• Grapes.
• Mangoes.
• Olives.
• Papayas.
• Parsley.
• Persimmons.
• Pineapple.
• Prunes.
• Rhubarb.
• Soybeans.
• Sweet potato.
• Turnips.
• Walnuts.
• Watercress.
• Beans.
• Whole grains.
• Bran cereals.
• Fresh fruits.
• Watermelon.
• Asparagus.
• Brussels sprouts.
• Cabbage.
• Carrots.
• Hi, fiber cereals.
• Oatmeal.
• Lentils.
• Seeds.

4. Probiotics:

Diet And Foods to Avoid:

Avoid,

• Foods that cause constipation – milk and dairy products, dry beans, cabbage, cauliflower, fried foods, and red meat
• Corn Syrup – one tablespoon of corn syrup mixed in eight ounces of liquid is a great remedy for infants
• Folic Acid – be sure that your body has the proper amounts of folic acid
• Sugar – sugar added to liquids can act as a natural cure for constipation
• Aloe Vera Juice – helps to heal and clean the digestive system making the deposit of waste easier.
• Apple Pectin – gives your body fiber that is essential for normal bowel movements.
• Triphala – consisting of Harad, Bahera, and Amla (herbs), this ground powder should be ingested with warm water or milk at bedtime. managing constipation

Knowing,

Constipation symptoms and controlling the symptoms are important for a healthy, happy life. The most important and controllable constipation cure is a healthy diet and regular exercise – and avoiding things that you know can bring on the symptoms of constipation.

Foods and Diet that causes constipation and Bowel Disorder:

I. Diary Food:

Most of the people have the habit of dressing every meal with cheese. This habit can trigger a constipation problem. Though it is very well understood that milk and other dairy products are categorized as healthy diets but consuming them too much can be harmful. In such a case one can prefer raw and not processed organic goat’s milk which would not cause much harm to your internal system.

II. Excess Intake of Egg and Meat:

If a person consumes meats and eggs almost regularly then he/she becomes more prone to constipation problems. People fail to understand that by filling their plates with more raw vegetables and whole grains they can keep their internal system healthy without any doubt. managing constipation

III. Avoiding Foods Rich of Fiber:

Most people unknowingly ignore fiber in their diets. One can find fiber in abundance in the following food items: managing constipation

• Whole grains.
• Vegetables.
• Fruits.

IV. Avoiding Fluid:

If you avoid liquids then you are welcoming the constipation problem without any doubt. It is particularly because liquids like water help to increase the rate of metabolism in the body. managing constipation

Sometimes,

changing your eating habits and beginning a regular exercise regimen can effectively eliminate constipation symptoms. Other times, your physician may wish to run tests to find out if there is a medical cause for your constipation – constipation is often the symptom of a more serious illness or disease.

Your physician will also review any medications that you may be currently taking to see if your constipation is a side effect.

Constipation Cures Can include the following:

• A healthy diet including fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and fiber
• Regular exercise routine
• Laxatives in severe cases – but, as with many medications, you should discuss with your physician the side effects of the medication and medications should only be used as a short-term option. The overuse of laxatives can cause your digestive system to become dependent and make it difficult for your digestive system to clean your body of wastes naturally.
• Drink plenty of fluids – you must keep your body properly hydrated in order for your digestive system to work naturally. managing constipation

Summing Up:

Points to Remember:

• Constipation affects almost everyone at one time or another.
• Many people think they are constipated when, in fact, their bowel movements are regular.
• The most common causes of constipation are poor diet and lack of exercise.
• Additional causes of constipation include medications, irritable bowel syndrome, abuse of laxatives, and specific diseases.
• A medical history and physical examination may be the only diagnostic tests needed before the doctor suggests treatment. managing constipation

In Most Cases,

following these simple tips will help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence of constipation:

• Eat a well-balanced, high-fiber diet that includes beans, bran, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Exercise regularly.
• Set aside time after breakfast or dinner for undisturbed visits to the toilet.
• Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Understand that normal bowel habits vary.
• Whenever a significant or prolonged change in bowel habits occurs, check with a doctor.

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, as you might help someone in need. Thanks.