What Is Constipation? - Symptoms, Causes, And Natural Treatments
Constipation Fundamentals
Constipation Fundamentals
One of those topics no one likes to talk about is constipation. Everyone has suffered from this problem one time or another in their lifetime and it can be very painful and exhausting.
The elderly and women are more commonly affected over men because a woman's body goes through more changes. A man's body only goes through puberty.
If you are experiencing difficulties to pass stool, or bowel movements become less frequent, you are having constipation. Chronic constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, and it is something that no one ever wants to experience.
Common Causes of Constipation
Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a structural problem. Common causes of constipation include:
- The lack of fiber and water in your diet
- Overuse of dairy products, such as milk and cheese
- Depression, eating disorders, pregnancy, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), stress
- Long periods of sitting
- Lack of exercise or mobility
- Resisting the bowel movement due to hemorrhoid pain
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease
- Antacids containing aluminum or calcium
- Antidepressants, iron pills, pain medicines
There are some typical constipation symptoms. Naturally, the most obvious one is difficulties to pass stool. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, swollen abdomen, and vomiting. Even though laxatives can be a quick solution to get relief from constipation, they should be used only as the last option. Frequent use of laxatives can cause loosening of the rectum which can cause more serious problems in the long run.
Dealing with Constipation Problems
Millions of people with constipation symptoms use a laxative to self-medicate hoping to alleviate the problem. However, to help relieve the constipation on a daily basis you should use natural remedies for constipation. So, drink plenty of fluids every day, eat fiber in your diet and exercise.
An infant may become constipated crying frequently due to pain in their tummy. A few things you may try are:
- If the baby is over 2 months old try giving 2-4 ounces of fruit juice. Grape, pear, apple, or prune juice twice a day normally helps.
- If the baby is over 4 months old and is eating solid foods, try baby foods with a high-fiber content such as peaches, pears, plums, peas, beans, and prunes.
The frequency of bowel movements vary between individuals. However, if you haven't had a bowel movement in longer than three days, the stool may become harder which makes it even harder to pass. This can be rather painful. That is why it is important to deal with the problem early enough.
Other Causes of Constipation
There are also constipation causes that are not so common. Here are some of them:
- Joining of tissues and inflamed adhesions
- A wedged gallstones
- Hernia in the abdomen
- Lead poisoning
Older adults are more likely to have constipation due to a poor diet and insufficient intake of fluids, lack of exercise, side effects of prescription drugs used to treat other conditions, poor bowel habits, and the use of enemas and laxatives.
by: Shannon Carvaldo
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