Constipation

Most of the time, when people experience constipation, it isn't serious. It's not unusual to go through occasional bouts without it being a signal of anything serious. Constipation occurs when a person has fewer than three bowel movements within a week. Many people think they are supposed to have at least one bowel movement every day or they aren't "regular". Depending on the individual, normal bowel movements can vary between several a day or three times a week.

The amount of fiber you consume in your diet has a great influence over your digestion. You get fiber from fruits, vegetables, and grains. The fiber absorbs moisture and helps stools move through your colon and out of your body. Without fiber, stools become dry and slow down excretion.

There are other causes of constipation. Some medications like antidepressants can cause it, as well as certain diseases or medical conditions. Lack of exercise may bring it on, as well. This is why it is so much more common in the elderly.

Not chewing your food properly may be enough to cause digestive problems. Larger chunks of food may not be completely broken down by the time they get to the colon. Any physical impediment may also slow digestion down since exercise plays an important role. Since smoking cigarettes or using any tobacco with nicotine provides a laxative effect, when someone stops smoking, they may experience constipation.

Laxatives are the most common treatment for the condition, and it is the right approach as long as you only have an occasional occurrence. Using laxatives in excess will only lead to more problems. In a sense, they are addictive. After long-term use, your body may not know how to function correctly without them. Laxatives should only be considered as a temporary form of relief.

When you start having regular constipation, it is imperative that you are diagnosed to make sure it isn't something serious. Frequent attacks can lead to bowel obstructions.

The best thing you can do to avoid occasional and painful occurrences of constipation is to prevent the circumstances from occurring in the first place. Eat fruits, vegetables, and grains that will provide you with the fiber your body needs to properly digest your food. Get some exercise regularly, even if it's just walking for a short distance. Anything is better than nothing.

Constipation