What Causes Constipation?
Many people want to know what causes constipation because having constipation can be a painful and an uncomfortable experience, and although it is not usually a serious issue, it can be a cause of concern. There are mild and severe forms of constipation and it is a condition that involves irregular bowel movements or difficulty passing stools.
In medical terms, constipation happens when you do not have 3 or more bowel movements weekly. In serious cases, it is when you have 1 or fewer bowel movement each week. From time to time, most people will suffer from constipation and about 3 million people are treated annually for this medical problem, many of whom are the elderly and women.
The causes of constipation are numerous and varied, and being aware of them can help you to reduce the risks.
What Causes Constipation?
Knowing how your large intestine works will be helpful for you to understand what causes constipation. If the muscles in your colon tighten up slowly or your colon takes in excess water, this may result in the stool getting dry and hard, leading to constipation. Some of the common causes of constipation include:
1. Eating a Diet Lacking in Fiber
If your diet is low in fiber or it has too much fats and processed and fast foods, you may become constipated. Fiber is found mainly in vegetables, fruits and grains. It helps the body’s waste to move through the intestines preventing your stool from becoming hard, dry or difficult to pass. Although the recommended daily nutritional value for fiber is between 20-35 grams, most people eat far less than these amounts.
2. Drinking Insufficient Liquids
Liquids may help to improve your bowel movements by softening and adding bulk to your stools. Some people may even experience relief from constipation after drinking liquids, such as water and juices. Therefore, it is important that you drink fluids daily.
3. Ignoring Signs of Bowel Movements
It is important to have your bowel movements when you feel the urge in order to avoid being constipated. However, some deterrents to passing you stool timely include painful hemorrhoids, uncomfortable feelings about using unfamiliar bathrooms and being extremely occupied with things and people around you.
4. Taking Some Types of Medication
There are some medicines such as iron supplements, diuretics and antidepressants that may lead to constipation. Other types of medications that are common causes of constipation include drugs for Parkinson’s disease and blood pressure, some types of antacids and strong narcotic pain medicines such as codeine and oxycodone.
5. Overusing Laxatives
You may decide to use stool softeners to get some relief from constipation. However, if you get into the habit of taking laxatives it may eventually weaken the bowel muscles and lead to constipation.
6. Experiencing Hormonal and Routine Changes
Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women often become constipated easily as well as older people. In addition, traveling and changing your regular routine and diet may cause constipation.
7. Having Certain Diseases
Some diseases, including those affecting the nerves, spinal cord as well as the endocrine and multiple organs are common causes of constipation. These include strokes, lupus and diabetes.
8. Other Causes of Constipation
Other regular causes of constipation are colon and rectum problems, insufficient exercise and activity and intestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
How is Constipation Treated?
By making some lifestyle and dietary changes as well as using some types of medications, you may be able to get relief from symptoms of constipation. However, some specific causes may be treated with surgery and other medical procedures.
Constipation Help Guide
One solution to getting fast relief from constipation is using the Constipation Help guide, which is available in e-Book format. It provides about 40 easy methods that offer different proven techniques to improve your bowel movements.
The downloadable e-Book also includes helpful information on what causes constipation, preventing constipation and how special groups of people, including children, pregnant women and the elderly can manage this common medical problem.
Follow the link below to get more information about this excellent constipation help guide:
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