Constipation

 Constipation is a problem of infrequent bowel movement which affects people of all ages. Generally caused due to intake of unhealthy diet lacking in essential fiber and fluids, constipation can lead to toxins developing in the body.

Also, constipation can lead to abdominal cramps, pain, and a feeling of bloating. Given below are some natural ways by which you can treat your constipation problem.

As mentioned above, dehydration or lack of fluid intake is a prime reason for constipation. Thus, improve your dietary habits and increase your intake of water and fluids. However, minimize and even avoid intake of alcohol or caffeine as they dehydrate the body.

Along with liquids, your body also needs fiber intake and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Here are some which can help you naturally treat the problem of constipation. An apple a day keeps the doctor away fits here perfectly.

Constipation is one of the burgeoning problems of a city life. Most people suffer from it due to a stressed out or an overly packed schedule. Some symptoms that confirm you have a constipation problem include bowel movement not even once in the entire day, abdomen pain, formation of wind, constant headaches. Sometimes extreme symptoms occur like having a vertigo, drowsiness, fever, hypertension, pain in the legs and an overall uncomfortable feel.Constipation can also make you feel bloated and uncomfortable and you may find yourself straining during bowel movements.

Although constipation can affect anyone, it's more common in women and in people over age 65. It also tends to occur during pregnancy, after childbirth or surgery, with certain medications such as opioid pain relievers, and with some conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.

Some people think they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, normal stool elimination may be three times a day or three times a week, depending on the person.

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, and a poor diet typically is the cause. Most constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief.

 

Who gets constipated?

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits a year. Those reporting constipation most often are women and adults ages 65 and older. Pregnant women may have constipation, and it is a common problem following childbirth or surgery.

Self-treatment of constipation with over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives is by far the most common aid. Around $725 million is spent on laxative products each year in America.

What causes constipation?

To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon, or large intestine, works. As food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water from the food while it forms waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon then push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum it is solid, because most of the water has been absorbed.

Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stools can become hard and dry. Common causes of constipation are

• not enough fiber in the diet
• lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)
• medications
• milk
• irritable bowel syndrome
• changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and travel
• abuse of laxatives
• ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• dehydration
• specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)
• problems with the colon and rectum
• problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

Not Enough Fiber in the Diet

People who eat a high-fiber diet are less likely to become constipated. The most common causes of constipation are a diet low in fiber or a diet high in fats, such as cheese, eggs, and meats.

Fiber—both soluble and insoluble—is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestines almost unchanged. The bulk and soft texture of fiber help prevent hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

Americans eat an average of 5 to 14 grams of fiber daily, which is short of the 20 to 35 grams recommended by the American Dietetic Association. Both children and adults often eat too many refined and processed foods from which the natural fiber has been removed.

A low-fiber diet also plays a key role in constipation among older adults, who may lose interest in eating and choose foods that are quick to make or buy, such as fast foods, or prepared foods, both of which are usually low in fiber. Also, difficulties with chewing or swallowing may cause older people to eat soft foods that are processed and low in fiber.

Not Enough Liquids

Research shows that although increased fluid intake does not necessarily help relieve constipation, many people report some relief from their constipation if they drink fluids such as water and juice and avoid dehydration. Liquids add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should try to drink liquids every day. However, liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and cola drinks will worsen one’s symptoms by causing dehydration. Alcohol is another beverage that causes dehydration. It is important to drink fluids that hydrate the body, especially when consuming caffeine containing drinks or alcoholic beverages.

Lack of Physical Activity

A lack of physical activity can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know precisely why. For example, constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise. Lack of physical activity is thought to be one of the reasons constipation is common in older people.

Medications

Some medications can cause constipation, including

• pain medications (especially narcotics)
• antacids that contain aluminum and calcium
• blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers)
• antiparkinson drugs
• antispasmodics
• antidepressants
• iron supplements
• diuretics
• anticonvulsants

Changes in Life or Routine

During pregnancy, women may be constipated because of hormonal changes or because the uterus compresses the intestine. Aging may also affect bowel regularity, because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone. In addition, people often become constipated when traveling, because their normal diet and daily routine are disrupted.

Abuse of Laxatives

The common belief that people must have a daily bowel movement has led to self-medicating with OTC laxative products. Although people may feel relief when they use laxatives, typically they must increase the dose over time because the body grows reliant on laxatives in order to have a bowel movement. As a result, laxatives may become habit-forming.

Ignoring the Urge to Have a Bowel Movement

People who ignore the urge to have a bowel movement may eventually stop feeling the need to have one, which can lead to constipation. Some people delay having a bowel movement because they do not want to use toilets outside the home. Others ignore the urge because of emotional stress or because they are too busy. Children may postpone having a bowel movement because of stressful toilet training or because they do not want to interrupt their play.

Specific Diseases

Diseases that cause constipation include neurological disorders, metabolic and endocrine disorders, and systemic conditions that affect organ systems. These disorders can slow the movement of stool through the colon, rectum, or anus.

Conditions that can cause constipation are found below.

• Neurological disorders

• multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
• stroke
• spinal cord injuries

 

• Metabolic and endocrine conditions
  • diabetes
  • uremia
  • hypercalcemia
  • poor glycemic control
  • hypothyroidism

 

• Systemic disorders
  • amyloidosis
  • lupus
  • scleroderma

Problems with the Colon and Rectum

Intestinal obstruction, scar tissue—also called adhesions—diverticulosis, tumors, colorectal stricture, Hirschsprung disease, or cancer can compress, squeeze, or narrow the intestine and rectum and cause constipation.

Problems with Intestinal Function

The two types of constipation are idiopathic constipation and functional constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with predominant symptoms of constipation is categorized separately.

Idiopathic—of unknown origin—constipation does not respond to standard treatment.

Functional constipation means that the bowel is healthy but not working properly. Functional constipation is often the result of poor dietary habits and lifestyle. It occurs in both children and adults and is most common in women. Colonic inertia, delayed transit, and pelvic floor dysfunction are three types of functional constipation. Colonic inertia and delayed transit are caused by a decrease in muscle activity in the colon. These syndromes may affect the entire colon or may be confined to the lower, or sigmoid, colon.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is caused by a weakness of the muscles in the pelvis surrounding the anus and rectum. However, because this group of muscles is voluntarily controlled to some extent, biofeedback training is somewhat successful in retraining the muscles to function normally and improving the ability to have a bowel movement.

Functional constipation that stems from problems in the structure of the anus and rectum is known as anorectal dysfunction, or anismus. These abnormalities result in an inability to relax the rectal and anal muscles that allow stool to exit.

How is the cause of constipation identified?

The tests the doctor performs depend on the duration and severity of the constipation, the person’s age, and whether blood in stools, recent changes in bowel habits, or weight loss have occurred. Most people with constipation do not need extensive testing and can be treated with changes in diet and exercise. For example, in young people with mild symptoms, a medical history and physical exam may be all that is needed for diagnosis and treatment.

Medical History

The doctor may ask a patient to describe his or her constipation, including duration of symptoms, frequency of bowel movements, consistency of stools, presence of blood in the stool, and toilet habits—how often and where one has bowel movements. A record of eating habits, medication, and level of physical activity will also help the doctor determine the cause of constipation.

The clinical definition of constipation is having any two of the following symptoms for at least 12 weeks—not always consecutive—in the previous 12 months:

• straining during bowel movements
• lumpy or hard stool
• sensation of incomplete evacuation
• sensation of anorectal blockage/obstruction
• fewer than three bowel movements per week

Physical Examination

A physical exam may include a rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to evaluate the tone of the muscle that closes off the anus—also called anal sphincter—and to detect tenderness, obstruction, or blood. In some cases, blood and thyroid tests may be necessary to look for thyroid disease and serum calcium or to rule out inflammatory, metabolic, and other disorders.

Extensive testing usually is reserved for people with severe symptoms, for those with sudden changes in the number and consistency of bowel movements or blood in the stool, and older adults. Additional tests that may be used to evaluate constipation include

• a colorectal transit study
• anorectal function tests
• a defecography

Because of an increased risk of colorectal cancer in older adults, the doctor may use tests to rule out a diagnosis of cancer, including a

• barium enema x ray
• sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy

Colorectal transit study. This test shows how well food moves through the colon. The patient swallows capsules containing small markers that are visible on an x ray. The movement of the markers through the colon is monitored by abdominal x rays taken several times 3 to 7 days after the capsule is swallowed. The patient eats a high-fiber diet during the course of this test.

Anorectal function tests. These tests diagnose constipation caused by abnormal functioning of the anus or rectum—also called anorectal function.

·         Anorectal manometry evaluates anal sphincter muscle function. For this test, a catheter or air-filled balloon is inserted into the anus and slowly pulled back through the sphincter muscle to measure muscle tone and contractions.

·         Balloon expulsion tests consist of filling a balloon with varying amounts of water after it has been rectally inserted. Then the patient is asked to expel the balloon. The inability to expel a balloon filled with less than 150 mL of water may indicate a decrease in bowel function.

Defecography is an x ray of the anorectal area that evaluates completeness of stool elimination, identifies anorectal abnormalities, and evaluates rectal muscle contractions and relaxation. During the exam, the doctor fills the rectum with a soft paste that is the same consistency as stool. The patient sits on a toilet positioned inside an x-ray machine, then relaxes and squeezes the anus to expel the paste. The doctor studies the x rays for anorectal problems that occurred as the paste was expelled.

Barium enema x ray. This exam involves viewing the rectum, colon, and lower part of the small intestine to locate problems. This part of the digestive tract is known as the bowel. This test may show intestinal obstruction and Hirschsprung disease, which is a lack of nerves within the colon.

The night before the test, bowel cleansing, also called bowel prep, is necessary to clear the lower digestive tract. The patient drinks a special liquid to flush out the bowel. A clean bowel is important, because even a small amount of stool in the colon can hide details and result in an incomplete exam.

Because the colon does not show up well on x rays, the doctor fills it with barium, a chalky liquid that makes the area visible. Once the mixture coats the inside of the colon and rectum, x rays are taken that show their shape and condition. The patient may feel some abdominal cramping when the barium fills the colon but usually feels little discomfort after the procedure. Stools may be white in color for a few days after the exam.

Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. An examination of the rectum and lower, or sigmoid, colon is called a sigmoidoscopy. An examination of the rectum and entire colon is called a colonoscopy.

The person usually has a liquid dinner the night before a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy and takes an enema early the next morning. An enema an hour before the test may also be necessary.

To perform a sigmoidoscopy, the doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a light on the end, called a sigmoidoscope, to view the rectum and lower colon. The patient is lightly sedated before the exam. First, the doctor examines the rectum with a gloved, lubricated finger. Then, the sigmoidoscope is inserted through the anus into the rectum and lower colon. The procedure may cause abdominal pressure and a mild sensation of wanting to move the bowels. The doctor may fill the colon with air to get a better view. The air can cause mild cramping.

To perform a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a flexible tube with a light on the end, called a colonoscope, to view the entire colon. This tube is longer than a sigmoidoscope. During the exam, the patient lies on his or her side, and the doctor inserts the tube through the anus and rectum into the colon. If an abnormality is seen, the doctor can use the colonoscope to remove a small piece of tissue for examination (biopsy). The patient may feel gassy and bloated after the procedure.

How is constipation treated?

Although treatment depends on the cause, severity, and duration of the constipation, in most cases dietary and lifestyle changes will help relieve symptoms and help prevent them from recurring.

Diet

A diet with enough fiber (20 to 35 grams each day) helps the body form soft, bulky stool. A doctor or dietitian can help plan an appropriate diet. High-fiber foods include beans, whole grains and bran cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetables such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots. For people prone to constipation, limiting foods that have little or no fiber, such as ice cream, cheese, meat, and processed foods, is also important.

Lifestyle Changes

Other changes that may help treat and prevent constipation include drinking enough water and other liquids, such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups, so as not to become dehydrated, engaging in daily exercise, and reserving enough time to have a bowel movement. In addition, the urge to have a bowel movement should not be ignored.

Laxatives

Most people who are mildly constipated do not need laxatives. However, for those who have made diet and lifestyle changes and are still constipated, a doctor may recommend laxatives or enemas for a limited time. These treatments can help retrain a chronically sluggish bowel. For children, short-term treatment with laxatives, along with retraining to establish regular bowel habits, helps prevent constipation.

A doctor should determine when a patient needs a laxative and which form is best. Laxatives taken by mouth are available in liquid, tablet, gum powder, and granule forms. They work in various ways:

·         Bulk-forming laxatives generally are considered the safest, but they can interfere with absorption of some medicines. These laxatives, also known as fiber supplements, are taken with water. They absorb water in the intestine and make the stool softer. Brand names include Metamucil, Fiberall, Citrucel, Konsyl, and Serutan. These agents must be taken with water or they can cause obstruction. Many people also report no relief after taking bulking agents and suffer from a worsening in bloating and abdominal pain.

·         Stimulants cause rhythmic muscle contractions in the intestines. Brand names include Correctol, Dulcolax, Purge, and Senokot. Studies suggest that phenolphthalein, an ingredient in some stimulant laxatives, might increase a person’s risk for cancer. The Food and Drug Administration has proposed a ban on all over-the-counter products containing phenolphthalein. Most laxative makers have replaced, or plan to replace, phenolphthalein with a safer ingredient.

·         Osmotics cause fluids to flow in a special way through the colon, resulting in bowel distention. This class of drugs is useful for people with idiopathic constipation. Brand names include Cephulac, Sorbitol, and Miralax. People with diabetes should be monitored for electrolyte imbalances.

·         Stool softeners moisten the stool and prevent dehydration. These laxatives are often recommended after childbirth or surgery. Brand names include Colace and Surfak. These products are suggested for people who should avoid straining in order to pass a bowel movement. The prolonged use of this class of drugs may result in an electrolyte imbalance.

·         Lubricants grease the stool, enabling it to move through the intestine more easily. Mineral oil is the most common example. Brand names include Fleet and Zymenol. Lubricants typically stimulate a bowel movement within 8 hours.

·         Saline laxatives act like a sponge to draw water into the colon for easier passage of stool. Brand names include Milk of Magnesia and Haley’s M-O. Saline laxatives are used to treat acute constipation if there is no indication of bowel obstruction. Electrolyte imbalances have been reported with extended use, especially in small children and people with renal deficiency.

·         Chloride channel activators increase intestinal fluid and motility to help stool pass, thereby reducing the symptoms of constipation. One such agent is Amitiza, which has been shown to be safely used for up to 6 to 12 months. Thereafter a doctor should assess the need for continued use.

People who are dependent on laxatives need to slowly stop using them. A doctor can assist in this process. For most people, stopping laxatives restores the colon’s natural ability to contract.

Other Treatments

Treatment for constipation may be directed at a specific cause. For example, the doctor may recommend discontinuing medication or performing surgery to correct an anorectal problem such as rectal prolapse, a condition in which the lower portion of the colon turns inside out.

People with chronic constipation caused by anorectal dysfunction can use biofeedback to retrain the muscles that control bowel movements. Biofeedback involves using a sensor to monitor muscle activity, which is displayed on a computer screen, allowing for an accurate assessment of body functions. A health care professional uses this information to help the patient learn how to retrain these muscles.

Surgical removal of the colon may be an option for people with severe symptoms caused by colonic inertia. However, the benefits of this surgery must be weighed against possible complications, which include abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Can constipation be serious?

Sometimes constipation can lead to complications. These complications include hemorrhoids, caused by straining to have a bowel movement, or anal fissures—tears in the skin around the anus—caused when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle. As a result, rectal bleeding may occur, appearing as bright red streaks on the surface of the stool. Treatment for hemorrhoids may include warm tub baths, ice packs, and application of a special cream to the affected area. Treatment for anal fissures may include stretching the sphincter muscle or surgically removing the tissue or skin in the affected area.

Sometimes straining causes a small amount of intestinal lining to push out from the anal opening. This condition, known as rectal prolapse, may lead to secretion of mucus from the anus. Usually eliminating the cause of the prolapse, such as straining or coughing, is the only treatment necessary. Severe or chronic prolapse requires surgery to strengthen and tighten the anal sphincter muscle or to repair the prolapsed lining.

Constipation may also cause hard stool to pack the intestine and rectum so tightly that the normal pushing action of the colon is not enough to expel the stool. This condition, called fecal impaction, occurs most often in children and older adults. An impaction can be softened with mineral oil taken by mouth and by an enema. After softening the impaction, the doctor may break up and remove part of the hardened stool by inserting one or two fingers into the anus.

Points to Remember

·         Constipation affects almost everyone at one time or another.

·         Many people think they are constipated when, in fact, their bowel movements are regular.

·         The most common causes of constipation are poor diet and lack of exercise.

·         Other causes of constipation include medications, irritable bowel syndrome, abuse of laxatives, and specific diseases.

·         A medical history and physical exam may be the only diagnostic tests needed before the doctor suggests treatment.

·         In most cases, following these simple tips will help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence of constipation:

• Eat a well-balanced, high-fiber diet that includes beans, bran, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Exercise regularly.
• Set aside time after breakfast or dinner for undisturbed visits to the toilet.
• Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Understand that normal bowel habits vary.
• Whenever a significant or prolonged change in bowel habits occurs, check with a doctor.

 

Natural Remedies for Constipation1) Fiber

A diet low in fiber may play a role in constipation. Insoluble fiber, which passes through the body almost unchanged, gives stools bulk and a soft texture, making them easier to pass.

Foods that are high in insoluble fiber include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Try wheat bran, brown rice, or whole grain bread.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestines. Prunes and figs can be added to breakfast or eaten as a snack.

Another option is to sprinkle one teaspoon of ground flaxseeds over any meal. They can be found in packages at the health food store or some grocery stores. They have a mild, nutty taste.

Fiber supplements are also available, the most popular being psyllium husk supplements such as Metamucil.

Add fiber to your diet gradually to avoid bloating and gas. Also, be sure to drink enough water otherwise fiber can have the opposite effect and be constipating.

2) Fluids

Making sure you drink enough fluids such as water may help some people with constipation. Fluids make bowel movements softer and easier to pass.

Watch your consumption of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola drinks, which can be dehydrating.

3) Stimulant Laxatives

Many herbal laxatives and "dieter's teas" are called stimulant laxatives, or anthranoid laxatives. They include herbs such as:

• Cascara sagrada
• Rhubarb
• Aloe
• Senna
• Buckthorn

Some of these herbs, such as senna, are approved as over-the-counter treatments for constipation. Although they are meant to be short-term treatments, in reality, people can become dependent on them and use them for weeks, months, or even years at a time in order to have a daily bowel movement.

They should not be used for longer than a week unless under medical supervision. Prolonged use may cause the bowels to lose the ability to move on their own, and has been linked to chronic diarrhea, potassium depletion leading to muscle weakness and potentially dangerous irregular heart rhythms, and kidney or liver impairment.

4) Biofeedback

Biofeedback therapy may help people with constipation resulting from pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition in which the pelvic floor muscles do not function properly. It occur as a result of conditions such as obesity, an enlarged prostate, or after childbirth.

Biofeedback therapists teach how to better coordinate muscles used to defecate. Approximately 70% of people have improved symptoms after biofeedback training.

Although biofeedback has only been explored as a treatment for this type of constipation relatively recently, results are promising.

For example, one study compared biofeedback (one session a week for five weeks) to laxatives (polyethylene glycol 14.6 to 29.2 grams per day) plus education in people with chronic, severe pelvic floor dysfunction. All participants had previously tried fiber supplements plus enemas.or suppositories but hadn't responded.

After six months, biofeedback sessions were more effective than tha laxative, with 43 of 54 (80%) of the biofeedback patients versus 12 of 55 (22%) laxative-treated patients reporting major improvements. Benefits appeared to last at least two years.

5) Probiotics

Probiotics, such as lactobacillus acidophilus, are live microbial organisms that are naturally present in the digestive tract. Some of the ways they are thought to promote health include suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, improving immune function, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract, and helping to produce vitamin K.

There is some preliminary evidence that probiotic supplements may improve constipation. For example, one study looked at the effect of a probiotic beverage containing a strain of beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus casei Shirota (65 milliliters a day) or a placebo in people with chronic constipation. The probiotic drink resulted in significant improvement in severity of constipation and stool consistency.

Another study examined the effectiveness of another strain of probiotics on constipation in children and found no effect. Eighty four children between two and 16 years of age with constipation took lactulose (a laxative) plus a probiotic supplement containing lactobacillus GG or lactulose alone. After 12 and 24 weeks, lactobacillus was not more effective than lactulose alone at treating constipation.

6) Acupressure

Acupressure is a traditional healing practice that involves the application of finger pressure to specific acupuncture points on the body.

A point that is often recommended by acupuncturists for constipation is Large Intestine 4. Although it hasn't been studied for constipation, it is a simple home remedy that may work for some people. The point is at the highest spot of the muscle between the thumb and index finger when they are brought close together. Caution: do not use this point if you are pregnant.

With your thumb or middle finger at a 90 degree angle to the skin, apply gradually increasing pressure. Hold for three minutes. The pressure should not be painful or uncomfortable.

7) Magnesium

A deficiency of the mineral magnesium may contribute to constipation. Magnesium is found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in supplements.

Magnesium is needed for normal muscle function, including intestinal muscles. One recent study examined the intake of magnesium with constipation in 3835 women. Low magnesium intake was associated with constipation.

 It has been found that eating apple every day in the morning can help prevent and treat constipation. Similarly, fresh juices of oranges in the morning are quite effective. Other fruits that are quite effective for treating constipation include mangoes and guavas.

Along with improving your diet, here are some natural ways to ward off the problem of constipation. Having dates with milk or drinking half a cup of cabbage juice twice daily or a mixed juice of carrot and spinach are effective ways of treating constipation the natural way.

Another effective juice for constipation can be made by mixing half cup olive oil with half a cup of orange juice. Also, before going to bed, drink a glass of boiled and cooled water with one spoon of honey added in it. Swallowing a teaspoon of linseeds before each meal is also helpful.

Thus, follow the above given tips to naturally get rid of the problem of constipation.

The Top Five How To Get Rid Of Constipation and Related Issues with Recommended Solutions

Do you sometimes have trouble with how to get rid of constipation? Well most of us do once in a while for some and frequently for others. Now we are going to address getting you some assistance with the issue of constipation.This may not be the last solution for constipation problems, but we will provide you with plausible resolutions. Should any of these remedies not be sufficient to resolve your issues, a natural herbal colon cleanse and probiotics will resolve your how to get rid of constipation.

Anyone who has any problems with constipation will say it is an absolutely terrible time.There are various reasons and sure how to get rid of constipation that have accompanied our progress to the 21st century. The resulting statements speak to the causes of comstipation and how to get rid of constipation.

1. Many Are Neglecting To Eat Balanced Meals and Including Roughage.

The one most responsible cause of constipation is the very bad diet of modern day consumers. This period of time has evolved into quick fixes, because prior generations have been given meals that were low in nutrition many developed bad eating habits.

If you are able to consume fast foods, microwave meals, cheeseburgers and fries, and get satisfied you will be happy. Foods containing fiber which will facilitate good digestion and adequate releases are very seldom consumed.

2. Insufficient Intake of Liquids. Not Drinking Enough Water.

People don't drink fluids these days -at least not enough to compensate for bodily needs. {The body is 75-80% water and most of us do not drink enough water. |Our bodies are about 75% water which means we must consume plenty of water to maintain optimum health(Many physicians suggest at least 8 glasses every day.)
Hence, by the time the feces gets to the rectum, the little moisture remaining in it is absorbed by the rectum and an insufficient amount for good digestion and an easy bile movement.

For easy bile movements without straining, there must be plenty of fluids present.Therefore it is much more difficult to pass the waste at that time.

3.Many of Americans do not get enough exercise..Need more walking or exercise.

People who don't take care of themselves physically, tend to easily develop constipation as a result of the fact they are not involved in any sort of exercise. One of the very first recommendations for those who need constipation help is exercise. The fact that you move around would improve your bowel movements and hasten the relief of constipation, thus how to get rid of constipation..

4. Women frequently have problems with constipation during pregnancy.

Pregnant women also suffer from constipation as a result of a change in hormonal balance in the body and also because of the pressure of the now occupied uterus on the intestine. She should be absorbing much more water and foods high in fiber. Moreover, too many give in to fast foods and other fatty foods.

Pregnant women must increase exercise. Walking a mile or two each day will contribute to maintaining a good metabolism and curve that urge to eat a lot of fat based foods. Pregnant women should be instructed to keep their bodies in good shape for the protection of the child and the digestive system to prevent complications during pregnancy.

5. Most do not eat enough fiber.Eat lots of Fiber.

Dietary fiber which is also known as bulk forming laxatives is gotten from the consumption of fruits and vegetables. The simpliest method of improving your diet would be to include fruits and vegetables in meals and desserts, while reducing the amount of meat and dairy products you eat.

Unfortunately, most people find it difficult to consume the volume of fruits required for good digestive health.To offset these short-comings of fiber in our diets, we can add wheat and oat bran or or another supplement to our diet.

To make this routine easier, when you have the itch to grab a snack, pick a fruit instead and you're on your way to relief.The only downside to this method is if the patient has strictures and adhesions. In this circumstance, it is advisable to consult a physician before getting on in the treatment. Also, some fibers have sugar; as a result, diabetic patients cannot take such.

START FIBER IN SMALL QUANTITIES

If you happen to be diabetic eat sugar-free fibers avilable at most stores. Fibers should not be taken in large quantities suddenly. Start with small amounts of fiber.Once you start eating more fiber you can increase the amount little by little. A space of one week is adequate for each phase of increase in fiber content.

Sources of fiber are fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, brown rice, and raisin bran cereals. The how to get rid of constipationshould be the signal to increase the fiber in your diet. The most current information reveals that we should eat 35 grams of fiber daily for optimum colon health.


Many have failed to meet the needs of our colon and digestion for too long. The only true method for restoring good colon and overall body health is by implementing a thorough natural herbal colon cleanse. The cleanse will restore your colon which removes any how to get rid of constipation, after such time we begin a diet and lifestyle that retains this condition.

At this point you must commence a complete change that includes increased exercise, plenty of water and more fiber.

That's the answer, 35 grams of fiber. That may not sound like much, but if you check the nutrition facts on the labels of your products, you will discover that muchof what we eatcontains very little fiber.35 grams every day is not as simple as it appears and will not be achieved without much planning.

Therefore, if you exhibit any of the how to get rid of constipation , complete a natural herbal colon cleans, the use of probiotics and then begin broadening your level of fiber intake and work to consume more of the fruits, vegetables and other foods available that contain sufficient amounts of fiber. Just fiber.

Constipation Remedies for Children

Constipation remedies for children include drinking plenty of water and other fluids, eating fiber rich foods and use of laxatives if required. To know more about remedies for constipation in kids, read ahead…

Constipation is one of the most commonly occurring health problem in children. In this condition, the bowel movement is infrequent and painful. As the stools become hard, elimination of fecal matter is quite difficult and the child may not have any bowel movement for days. The child tries to avoid bowel movement that in fact can aggravate constipation.

Constipation Remedies for Children
The root cause of constipation in children is unhealthy food. An easy way to treat constipation in children is by making some dietary changes. This is one of the most effective home remedies for constipation in kids. Certain modifications in the child's diet can help to get rid of constipation. Diet for constipation involves increased intake of the following foodstuffs to ease the discomfort.

• Fluids
• Fiber foods
• Bran

Increasing fluid intake can help to soften the stools. The child should consume a minimum of 3 - 4 glasses of water everyday. In addition, fruit juices should also be made a part of his diet. Prune and apple juice are often recommended by doctors. Children who are on a low fiber diet generally suffer from constipation. Most children tend to have a high fat diet that is low in fiber. In order to increase the fiber intake, eating plenty of raw vegetables and fruits would be a good option.

Foods rich in fiber include corn, sweet potatoes, raw tomatoes, spinach legumes (beans), turnip greens, peas and beans. Even unpeeled fruits contain a high amount of fiber. Research has revealed that the digestive system works best with a fiber-rich diet. Vegetable soups provide an easy way to include more fluid in the child's diet. Soups can also help improve the problem of constipation as they are rich in fiber. It is necessary to give the child high fiber foods along with plenty of fluids to ease the bowel movement. Bran is food made from the husks of cereal grains. In order to increase the intake of bran, the child should be given bran muffins, bran cereals, graham crackers and shredded wheat. Even whole wheat bread has a high bran content.

Decrease Foods that Contribute to Constipation
Foods that are know to aggravate constipation should be avoided or consumed in lesser amounts, so as to avert any further complications. Some of them are listed below:

• Cow's milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Bananas

Milk and constipation do not go well together. If the child is having too much of cow's milk then it can worsen constipation. However, studies have shown that soy milk plays a key role in softening the stools. As diary products are devoid of fiber content, it may cause severe pain during bowel movement. Process foods and meat also contain very small amounts of fiber, so it is better to skip these foods.

Use of Stool Softeners
Although changing the diet is sufficient to relieve constipation, in severe cases, use of stool softeners becomes necessary. These medicines are available at various drug stores. Stool softeners that are safe for children and provide relief from constipation are milk of magnesia and mineral oil. While these laxatives are one of the recommended constipation remedies for children, they should be used sparingly for a temporary period. Long term use of laxatives, especially mineral oil, can make the child dependent on them for daily bowel movement. Few side effects can also occur and cause problems if laxatives are taken on a regular basis.

Constipation is common in children, but not fatal. Nevertheless it is important to treat it in time. These are some of the constipation remedies for children that can also help to prevent constipation in the long run.

 

 

 

  

 

 

Sources:

 

www.altmedicine.about.com

 

www.indianchild.com

 

www.ayushveda.com

 

www.buzzle.com

 

www.zimbio.com

 

www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov