Causes of Constipation
Relieve Constipation Naturally

What is constipation?

Constipation is difficulty in passing stools or the infrequent passage of hard, dry stools as a result of food moving slowly through the large intestine.

This slow passage of stools cause excess fluid to be absorbed, making faeces dry out more and more until eventually the bowel opens through sheer weight of the material, usually leaving the sufferer feeling that the rectum is still full.

(Read more on the symptoms of constipation.)

Main Causes of Constipation

Unlike vitamins and minerals, fiber isn't absorbed by the digestive tract. Instead it spends a long time in the intestine, absorbing large amounts of fluid.

When fiber absorbs water, stool gradually swell, getting bigger and wetter. Unlike small stools, which can accumulate for days before moving on, large stools are moved out of the intestine much more quickly. And because large stools are much softer than small ones, there's less straining when they do move.

So the best way to relieve constipation naturally is to increase the fiber in your diet as well as drink sufficient water, as the page about the High Fiber Diet Plan will discuss. Also find out what is the Best Fiber Supplement.

Other Causes Of Constipation

• Inadequate exercise or prolonged inactivity.
• Inadequate liver function - bile salts produced in the liver are natural laxatives.
• Advanced age.
• Muscle disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
• Structural abnormalities such as haemorroid, anal fissure or a pocket of infection at the anus can create a spasm of pain strong enough to contract muscles and hinder the evacuation of stools.
• Bowel diseases such as cancer, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome
• Bowel obstruction due to a tumour or hernia.
• Neurological disorders such as injuries to the spinal column or injuries to the nerves that usually regulate bowel movement.
• Prolonged use of laxatives may cause damage to the nerve cells in the wall of the colon
• Poor diet, especially heavy consumption of junk food.
• Side effect of some medications, such as iron supplements, cough syrups, pain medications that contain codeine, some antidepressants, blood pressure and heart medications, calcium supplements and some antihistamines, and antacids containing alluminium.
• Severe depression.
• Metabolic disturbances such as high levels of calcium and low levels of thyroid hormone.
• Medical disorders such as Parkinson's disease, schleroderma, lupus, strokes, kidney disease, diabetes, muscular spasm or underactive or hyperactive thyroid.
• Common during pregnancy. (Read more on Constipation and Pregnancy on the Pregnancy Friend website.)

As so many factors can cause constipation, don't assume that what causes constipation in your case is just your diet. If diet alone doesn't solve the problem in a few weeks, investigate other avenues with the help of your doctor.

It Could Be All In the Mind

In fact, some people may be chronically constipated because they don't want to take the time to have a bowel movement or don't like to have bowel movements at work, so they ignore the urge.

Problem is, the longer the stools spend time in the colon the more water is absorbed back into the body and stools get drier and harder.

Also, when you ignore your body's urges, the rectum gets used to being stretched and fails to respond normally. Faeces back up into the colon, causing discomfort.

So when your body gives you a signal, stop what you're doing and go to the bathroom. If you dislike having a bowel movement at work, school or in a public toilet, readjust your attitude and get used to the idea.

A Laxative Too Far

Chronic use of laxatives, even herbal laxatives, causes the bowels to become lazy and the muscles become dependent on laxatives to constrict.

People often find they need more laxatives to have the same effect. Some laxatives can cause damage to the nerve cells in the wall of the colon.

So, what if you have used too many laxatives? You need to retrain your body to have bowel movements on its own.

Try sitting on the toilet each morning for 20 minutes and relax. Over time your body will remember how to relax and function normally. Plus you need to follow all the other suggestions found on the next page.

Word of Caution

• An abrupt change in your bowel habits.
• If symptoms of constipation persist for two weeks or longer, despite self-care measures, or if persistent constipation is accompanied by weight loss.
• If fever or abdominal pain accompanies constipation.
• If cramping or pain is severe or disrupts your daily routine.
• If you notice blood in the stools.
• If the constipation develops into diarrhoea or vomiting.
• If you have recently started taking a medication that may be causing constipation.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Symptoms of Constipation and Bowel Transit Time

Foods That Relieve Constipation and Constipation Prevention - Discussing the importance of fiber and water in the diet.

High Fiber Diet Plan - Explaining how fiber works to keep you regular.

Benefits of Fiber and High Fiber Foods in Your Diet - Increasing fiber in your diet can help preventing and treating many conditions.

Best Fiber Supplement - Why is Lepicol the best fiber supplement?

Best Foods for Constipation (Part 1) - Discussing apples, beans, berries, flaxseed and dried fruits.

Best Foods for Constipation (Part 2) - Discussing dark leafy greens, ginger, honey, rhubarb, squash and coffee.

Prune Juice for Constipation and Other Health Benefits

References:

1) Balch, P., CNC, (2000) Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-To-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements, New York: Avery

2) Lipski, E., Ph.D., CCN, (2005) Digestive Wellness: How to Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion (3rd Edition): Completely Revised and Updated Third Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill

3) Yeager, S., (2207) The Doctors Book of Food Remedies, New York: Rodale Inc.

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