Constipation – Your Colon And You
Constipation means that an individual is suffering from sparse bowel movements. It is understandable that these types of ailments can be rather embarrassing for those who suffer from them. Even so, constipation is a very common ailment among people of all ages.
Four million people in the United States suffer from constipation annually, and the causes of constipation vary across a large spectrum. So, what causes constipation? First, a quick review of why people have constipation.
When food is going through our digestive system, it can be described as the event where the colon extract water from the solid matter at a regular rate. There is some standard amount of time the solid matter runs through the colon. This process is individual, but it should be regular so that individual’s bowel movements are regular as well. If this event becomes sparse, an individual is suffering from constipation.
If this is the case, the colon is not able to regulate the amount of water it extracts, and the end result is nothing but a hard stool. If you want to know what causes constipation, you need to know what causes the food moving too slowly through your digestive system. Here are some typical causes of constipation.
Medication
There are so many prescribed drugs and over-the-counter medications available today that it is no surprise that they have all kinds of unwanted side effects. Constipation can also be caused by some medication. If this is the case with your condition, you should consult with your doctor whether there are some alternatives to your medication in order to get relief from constipation.
Diet
One of the primary causes of many ailments is diet. The body is a machine, so it makes sense that what we fuel it with will have impact on how the body performs.
Foods that are overly processed or a diet high in dairy products can increase the chances of constipation. Altering your diet to include more fiber and adding fruits and vegetables to your daily intake can often cure constipation.
It is common that laxatives are used too easily as a constipation treatment. However, they should always be the last option to try. Overusing laxatives can worsen the situation, and eventually more invasive operation may be needed in order to cure the condition.
Ignoring the Urge
If you feel the urge, you shouldn’t ignore it. Our body knows when we need to have a bowel movement. Ignoring this can be the main cause of your constipation, and you can’t blame anything or anyone else but yourself. Leaving stool sitting in your colon it continuously removes water resulting very hard and dry stool.
Solving your constipation problems can be as easy as adjusting your lifestyle and eating habits. Using only fast solutions (laxatives) can cause more serious issues in the long run. That is why it is essential to find the root cause of your constipation.
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