Dealing with Constipation
Constipation is a digestive complaint. A person is said to suffer from constipation when the person’s bowel movements are three or fewer per week and when the person passes hard stools. When the bowel movements are infrequent and the person experiences considerable difficulty in eliminating the feces because it is dry and hard, the person may be a victim of constipation. Usually, constipated people are left with a sense of incomplete evacuation or elimination. Very severe constipation, a condition of bowel obstruction, which means there is an obstruction in the elimination of feces, is called constipation.
Most cases of constipation are a result of bad dietary habits, insufficient exercise, inadequate intake of fluids or, sometimes, even stress. Some cases occur due to hormonal problems. There are cases of constipation caused by side effects of some prescription drugs that the person has been using for some disorder or illness. Some medicines taken for depression, high blood pressure or for pain relief may cause the condition. Due to excessive use of over-the-counter or prescription laxatives, some people lose their natural ability for bowel movements, because of which constipation or lazy bowl syndrome results. In a few cases, constipation also results from some abnormality in the anatomy of the person.
A lot of children and older people suffer from the condition. More women than men appear to experience the problem of constipation. It is common for women to suffer from constipation before the time of periods or during pregnancy. In fact, millions of people all over the world experience the problem of constipation.
Perhaps the best way to deal with constipation is to include lots of fiber. Eat a lot of fresh, ripe fruits as well as starch-free vegetables and other nourishing foods. Eat slowly, chewing the food well. A high fiber diet aids the easy passing of stools. Eat bulk foods like bran and psyllium can also help constipation. Also, it is necessary to avoid dehydration. Drinking plenty of water will definitely help. Whatever helps digestion helps in avoiding constipation. In cases of chronic constipation, it may be necessary to use a harmless laxative initially. It may be sometimes useful to resort to enema. Epsom salt, Milk of Magnesia or other harmless laxatives to deal with occasional constipation may be good but are typically overused by consumers. If you let nature run it’s course, you will find yourself craving the very foods needed to return to a normal bowel situation and will not need the laxatives.
As a homemade remedy for temporary constipation, 3 T olive oil and warm water can be used for relief. Eating prunes, which contain a lot of fiber, iron and calcium, can help by stimulating the bowel. Some people drink aloe vera juice, for easing the bowel movement, although aloe vera may cause minor cramping in some people. Some others use Dandelion as a laxative in cases of occasional constipation.
There are people who give enough time for bowel movement by just sitting in the toilet at regular hours every day. They make it a routine to avoid constipation. Passing stool can and must be made a regular habit by training yourself for it. If necessary, make lifestyle changes to experience a free bowel movement.