Constipation

There are few conditions more uncomfortable than constipation. It can cause your stool to be unusually hard, lumpy, large or small. When constipate, you feel you are not able to pass stool, have to strain or are unable to empty your bowels.

Many people experience constipation for a short period, while others have chronic constipation. While short-term constipation does not have lasting health effects, chronic constipation can cause hard, dry stool to collect in your rectum or involuntary leaking of liquid stool around solid impacted stools.
What Causes Constipation?

It may be difficult to identify the exact cause of your constipation, as it is not caused by a specific condition. However, some factors may increase your chances of getting constipated .They include:

• Poor diet. Not eating enough fiber such as fruit, vegetables and cereal,
• Ignoring the urge to pass stool,
• Lack of exercise,
• Not drinking enough fluids,
• Change in your eating habits and lifestyle,
• Depression and anxiety , or
• Being under or overweight

Some medication can also cause constipation. That is the reason it is important to know the side effects of any medication you take. Aluminum antacids, antidepressants, antipsychotic, calcium supplements and diuretics are examples of medication that can increase your chances of being constipated.

Pregnancy can cause constipation due to hormonal changes. Some medical conditions can also cause constipation. These include diabetes, under active thyroid, muscular dystrophy, colon cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

Constipation Symptoms

It is easy to know if you are constipated. If feel that passing stool has become more difficult or significantly less frequent and less effective, you might be suffering from constipation.

You might be constipated if changes in your bowel habits cause:

• Stomach upsets and cramps,
• Loss of appetite,
• Feeling nauseous, and
• Feeling bloated

How to Treat Constipation

The easy life has made the use of laxatives the fastest and easiest way to treat constipation. As long as one takes care not to abuse laxatives, they can be very effective. For a longer-term solution, the best way to treat constipation is:

• Get more exercise. A daily walk will do.
• Increase your daily intake of fiber. High fiber foods like fruit and vegetables are essential in your diet. At least 18-30g of fiber would be adequate.
• Increase your fluid intake. Most physicians recommend at least 1.2 liters of water,
• Add bulking agents, such as wheat bran to your diet. This makes stool softer and easier to pass.

Preventing Constipation

Preventing constipation is a lifestyle choice. Eating well and including fiber to your diet is one of the easiest things to do. Increase your fluid intake as well as increase your exercise activity. It is amazing how a healthy lifestyle can increase your chances of getting some conditions.

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