People who suffer from constipation may find it difficult and painful to have a bowel movement.
They may also suffer symptoms of feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.
WHAT MAY CAUSE CONSTIPATION :
A hypersensitivity to cows milk may trigger constipation in infants and young children researchers conclude.
Lack of fiber in the diet and not enough liquids may cause constipation.
Lack of exercise, medications, pregnancy, older age, and travel, laxatives, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement and some specific diseases may cause constipation.
People who eat plenty of foods high in fibre are less likely to suffer constipation.
Liquids add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools making bowel movements softer and easier to pass.
Lack of exercise may also lead to constipation although doctors do not know why.
Pain medications, antacids that contain aluminum, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics, and anticonvulsants for epilepsy can slow passage of bowel movements.
Laxatives used over pong periods of time may damage nerve cells in the colon and interfere with the colons natural ability to contract.
Regular use of enemas may also lead to a loss of normal bowel function.
Dietary and lifestyle changes help relieve symptoms and prevent constipation.
Sometimes constipation may lead to complications such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Eat a well balanced that includes high fiber diet that includes beans, bran, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Drink plenty of liquids, exercise regularly and do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
The most common cause of constipation is a lack of fibre.
Both soluble and insoluble fibres help increase the intestinal transit time of the stool.
Fibre rich diets help decrease blood cholesterol and increase the faecal excretion of bile salts both of which help prevent coronary artery disease and gallstone formation.
Many cases of constipation are caused by drugs which may upset the natural balance of friendly micro organisms in the bowel.
The two freindly strains which should colonize the bowel are lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium bifidum.
Vitamin C or Magnesium may also be of help during constipation.
It is also advised to drink plenty of water during the day to avoid constipation.
Pantothenic acid and folic acid may also be of help.
Fiber : will help to bulk up stools and, when consumed with plenty
of water, starts mobility in the intestine. High-fiber foods include
whole grains, fruits, peas, and beans.
Prunes : they naturally help stimulate contractions of the intestines to
remove waste products. Prunes also attract water to the intestinal
area.
Fluids, drink plenty of fluids to soften stools. Avoid any liquid
with caffeine, because caffeine acts as a diuretic.
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.
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 will help.
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.
Most people with mild constipation do not need laxatives. However, doctors may recommend laxatives for a limited time for people with chronic constipation.
During pregnancy women may suffer constipation because of hormonal changes or because the heavy uterus compresses the intestine.
Ageing may also affect bowel regularity because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone.
In the colon, fibre increases stool bulk, helps the stool to hold more water, massages the intestinal wall and acts as food for colonic microflora.
Common fibre supplements are wheat, oat, barley, rice bran and psyllium.
Herbs such as Dandelion Root, Yellow Dock, Butternut and Cascara may be of help.
There are many foods that act as natural laxatives.
Some of the most common natural
laxatives include:
Fruit juice, apple, pear, and grape fruit juices are particularly
effective in young children because they're high in naturally
occurring sugars that are difficult for young intestines to digest.
Use only a little of these juices to help with constipation, since
they can often cause loose stools and diarrhea.
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