The Problem of Constipation

Constipation: You Can Do About It

Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. During this time, the stools passed are usually small, dry, and hard – not to mention painful to eliminate.

People who are constipated may also feel bloated and full, even when they have not ingested any food during the day. Constipation is never a pleasant process. The entire experience is usually one of discomfort, if not one of pain.

However, constipation is not as serious as it may feel, especially at its outset. Almost everyone experiences constipation at one point or another. Most people do not suffer any sort of permanent damage from it.

Keep in mind: Constipation in itself is not a disease, rather it is a symptom. A number of conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, may cause constipation. Again, it is nothing to be worried about if it occurs once in a while and never in prolonged durations.

Understanding Constipation: Cause and Effect

It is very important to understand what causes constipation if one is to
1) prevent it from occurring, and
2) treat it when it has already manifested.

Constipation is usually caused when dietary factors, the most common being the lack of fiber in a diet. Fiber, which is present in many fruits and vegetables, is what regulates the composition of the stool. Too little fiber will result in a dry stool, too much of it can result in diarrhea – but the former condition is much more prevalent than the latter. For the most part, you should try to have as much fiber in your diet as you possibly can.

Water is another factor in the constipation process. To understand this, you must keep in mind that the large intestine absorbs water from the food that comes its way. As it forms stool, it necessarily uses up a large amount of water. If there was not enough water to being with, the result will be a dry and solid stool – not the easiest thing to pass.

Beating Your Constipation

For most people, constipation is a relatively minor issue and can be dispelled using a variety of laxatives. There are many laxatives in the market today, from pharmacy drugs such as Bisacodyl to alternative medicines such as bentoite clay and psylium husk. All of these have been proven to be efficacious in treating constipation.

Regardless of the treatment option for constipation that you choose, you must consult your physician before you do. He or she will most likely be able to advise you on the specific properties of your treatment choices.