Constipation: What Is It? How to Avoid It? And How to Manage It?

Constipation is a problem that happens with modern diets. The body is a temperamental organ, and it’s important to treat it well, and in a way with which it is accustomed. This means eating foods that our ancestors ate, rather than filling up on junk food.

Constipation: What Is It?

Constipation can be chronic, or acute. With chronic constipation, it means that it is long lasting, while acute constipation happens every now and again. Both types of constipation can be very painful; however, chronic constipation can be much more dangerous.

However, this doesn’t quite tell us what it is. Constipation is simply compacted faecal matter that the body is unable to pass properly. Waste becomes stuck in the colon and the rectum. There are several different causes of constipation, but generally, it is caused by the colon absorbing too much water from our food, leaving hard and compact stools.

What Causes Constipation?

There are many different causes of constipation. However, all of them pretty much have the effect of creating the conditions whereby too much water is removed from our food (although, at this stage in digestion it is no longer food) in the colon. There is another reason that people become constipated, and that’s because of a blockage somewhere in the digestive tract. This latter type of constipation can be serious, and may require surgery to remove the blockage.

Let’s take a look at some of the commonest causes of constipation: 

1.A diet low in soluble and insoluble fibre: When you think of fibre, think of it as nature’s natural broom, that literally sweeps waste through the digestive tract. Without adequate levels of fibre, your food stays in your small and large intestines longer than it should, and the whole time it’s there, the intestines are squeezing it dry.

2.Lack of exercise: exercise increases your metabolic rate. The metabolic rate is the speed at which the body carries out its various functions. If it’s too slow, food stays in the digestive system for too long, and again, the colon squeezes out too much water.

3.Holding it in: you should go to the toilet when you need to go. If you hold it in too long then again, you create the condition whereby the colon extracts too much water – your colon doesn’t know when to stop doing this, it’s an automatic process.

4.Medicines: there are several types of medication that can cause constipation. This is more common with certain types of painkiller, especially paracetamol.

How Do You Deal With Constipation?

By following a healthy diet and taking enough exercise, you can avoid constipation, but what happens if you are constipated? Well, you will need to take constipation remedies. There are a number of different options, and your choice depends of the cause and severity of the problem, as well as your personal preferences.

Constipation remedies: 

•Prune juice will work well for mild constipation, especially that caused by poor eating habits.

•For constipation that’s a little more severe, then an over-the-counter laxative should help.

•For more severe types of constipation, it is best to see a doctor.

When Things Aren’t Moving: Understanding and Dealing with Constipation

Constipation is a minor irritation for many people around the world. Although for the majority of people it poses very little threat, for some, it can become incredibly serious. It is important, therefore, that you understand the symptoms of constipation, its causes and its remedies. Although not the pleasantest of subjects, we will discuss some of the key things that you need to understand about constipation.

Firstly: the Best Cure is Prevention

It is important that you understand the causes of constipation. It is only by understanding what you need to do, that you can avoid becoming constipated in the first place. Clearly, it is much better to prevent constipation, than to deal with it once it arrives. There are a few things that you can do to ensure that your bowel movements are regular; and they usually consist of making lifestyle choices.

1.Drink plenty of water. You need to ensure that you stay hydrated. When you’re dehydrated, your intestines and colon will try to absorb as much moisture from your food as possible. When the food in your intestines and colon become too dry, they will not move through the system with ease, and you will become constipated

2.Eat plenty of fibre. Fibre literally sweeps out the bowels and keeps everything moving and regular. It is important that you eat adequate amounts of fibre to ensure that your digestive system remains regular. Listen to the doctors and eat between five to seven servings of fruit and vegetables each day, as well as eating plenty of whole grains.

3.Exercise: exercise raises blood flow and keeps your system working fast. The slower your metabolism the slower food will pass through your body, and the more likely you are to become constipated. A higher metabolism – which you achieve through exercise – will ensure that your body’s working to an optimal capacity.

As we said, it’s a lifestyle choice. As always, the doctors are right: eat well, stay hydrated and exercise if you want to avoid constipation.

Symptoms

Most of us experience constipation at one point or another. Even those of us with a healthy lifestyle can become constipated. For example, certain medications, such as paracetamol, can cause constipation. Here are some common symptoms, so you know when you might be suffering from constipation:

•Bloating in the tummy – particularly the lower portion
•Pain, or difficulty, when defecating
•Bleeding around the rectum
•Lower back pain
•Feeling like you can’t fully evacuate your bowels
•Difficulty passing wind
•Discomfort in the tummy

Remedies

If you experience the above symptoms and you suspect constipation then try one of the following constipation remedies:

•Eat prunes or take a prune supplement
•Drink a litre or two of water
•Take specific dietary constipation remedies, such as Oxy Powder
•Try laxatives
•If all else fails, then visit your doctor who will be able to assist further.

It is important that you deal with constipation early, to avoid increasing your levels of constipation, which would lead to more symptoms.