What is constipation?
Constipation is passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week. People who are constipated may find it difficult and painful to have a bowel movement. Other symptoms include feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.
Many people think they are constipated when, in fact, their bowel movements are regular. For example, some people believe they are constipated, or irregular, if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, there is no right number of daily or weekly bowel movements. Normal may be three times a day or three times a week depending on the person. Also, some people naturally have firmer stools than others. There's no definition to the number of times one must have bowel movements in order not to have constipation.
At one time or another, almost everyone goes through what is seen as the definition of constipation. Poor diet and lack of exercise are usually the causes. In most cases, constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief however.
The true definition of constipation is a sneaky, undiagnosed, disabling condition that is sweeping America as we speak. Perhaps all of this doesn't surprise you. Let's take a look at the following categories of disease and disorders that can be related either directly or indirectly to the colon and constipation: heart disease, high blood pressure, fatigue, irritability, varicose veins, gas, heart burn, bloating, obesity, diabetes, arthritis and more. Some of these side effects or symptoms are a hundred times worse than the constipation itself.
What are the causes?
Constipation has many causes. The cause may be a poor diet, lack of exercise and water, or something more serious. This article will review the main causes for constipation, and perhaps you can pinpoint what's causing the problem in your situation. If you're like many Americans, constipation is something you've experienced. Over 4 million people each year report being constipated.
Constipation has relatively little to do with how many times you've had a bowel movement. It's normal for someone to have anywhere from 3 bowel movements per week to 3 bowel movements a day. If your stools are soft and pass easily and you pass them at least 3 times per week, you're not constipated.
The most common cause is a lack of adequate amounts of water and fiber in the diet. The longer the stool sits in the large intestine waiting to be passed, the harder and less easy to pass it becomes.
There are many other reasons that you may find yourself constipated.
Common causes include:
- A change in schedule, such as traveling or anything that changes your daily routine
- Waiting to have a bowel movement
- An increase in your stress levels
- A lack of exercise
- Loss of activity as a result of injury or aging
- Pregnancy
- Medication use
Constipation may also be a result of another health problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome or diabetes.
A more uncommon cause of constipation results from an actual obstruction in the large intestine. This can be caused by an obstruction such as a tumor or gallstone that is wedged in the intestine. The bowel may also be obstructed if the large intestine has twisted on itself. Another possible cause of bowel obstruction is from connective tissue diseases such as lupus or scleroderma.
Common ways to alleviate constipation
If you have been constipated for more than 1 week, you should consult your healthcare provider to determine the cause of your problem. Most people are suffering as a result of lifestyle changes and unhealthy diet choices. For some people though, this condition can signal a more serious problem such as a bowel obstruction or even colon cancer. If your bowel movements smell unusually foul, your body is giving you a warning signal! If you are constipated as a result of lifestyle, there are several treatments options for you.
Common sense treatment for relief
- Improving diet
- Adding exercise
- Hydration
- Medication
- Avoid laxatives
- Herbal remedies
- Improve bowel habits
- Colon cleanse
Colon cleansing
One of the measures to fight constipation is colon cleansing. The colon is a vital organ for overall health maintenance. Nutrient absorption, allergies, skin health, liver and kidney health, digestive health, and overall wellbeing are all directly affected by the health of the colon. When debris, putrefaction, impacted fecal matter, and intestinal invaders are allowed to reside in the intestines, many health problems begin to arise.
Toxins build up over time and the excess fecal matter may put pressure on internal organs. This pressure can slow the natural muscle movement of the colon, leading to constipation and the accumulation of toxic waste in the bowels. To avoid these problems, which can eventually lead to more serious health issues like irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and Diverticulitis, it is vital to carry out colon cleansing on a regular basis.
Check out our reviews on the top 3 colon cleansers in the market today, and decide for yourself which brand can help you with your constipation.
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