Constipation

What is Constipation?

Constipation happens because the bowel movements become less frequent, and thanks to the absorption of water from the waste, the stool become dried and hardened, making it difficult to pass. It mostly occurs due to inadequate intake of fiber or changes in diet. Attempt to call your doctor if you have blood in your stools, severe abdominal pain, or Constipation lasting longer than three weeks.

The condition may lead you to suffer from hemorrhoids, anal fissure, or fecal impaction. The regular frequency of bowel movements in adults happen typically between three per day and three per week. Young children between two to three per day, while babies often have three to four bowel movements per day.

What Causes Constipation?

Lifestyle choices, medications, medical conditions, and pregnancy are some of the causes of Constipation:

Common lifestyle causes:

  • Antidepressants
  • Antacids containing calcium or aluminum
  • Allergy medications
  • Some blood pressure medicines
  • Changes in lifestyle while traveling, changing site or even going to bed at different times
  • Eating foods low in fiber.
  • Eating large amounts of milk or cheese.
  • Not drinking enough water.
  • Not getting enough exercise.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Stress

Medical and health conditions

• Underactive thyroid gland
• Colorectal cancer
• Irritable bowel Syndrome
• Diverticular Disease
• Weakness of pelvic floor muscles.
• Neurologic disorders
• Parkinson’s disease and Stroke.
• The colon contracts poorly and retains stool.
• Intestinal Obstruction
• Structural defects in the digestive tract
• Multiple organ diseases
• Pregnancy

How is Constipation treated?
Self-care

You can manage mild to moderate Constipation by checking in detail what you eat and drink and then making appropriate.

These are few of the recommendation to start:

  • Avoid caffeine-containing drinks and alcohol
  • Add vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods to your diet.
  • Drink two to four glasses of water a day.
  • Do not use your phone or other devices while trying to move your bowels.
  • Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.
  • Get physical activity as part of your daily routine.
  • Keep out foods that constipate you.