--Causes of constipation--
Man suffering with constipation
Constipation happens when the colon absorbs too much water; this can occur if the muscles in the colon are contracting slowly or poorly, causing the stool to move too slowly and lose more water.
These are the most common causes of constipation:
1) Lack of fiber in diet
People whose diets include a good quantity of fiber are significantly less likely to suffer from constipation.
It is important to consume foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber promotes bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Foods that are low in fiber include high-fat foods, such as cheese, meat, and eggs.
2) Physical inactivity
Constipation can occur if someone becomes too physically inactive; this is especially the case in older adults.
For individuals who have been bedridden for a long time, perhaps for several days or weeks, their risk of having constipation is significantly increased. Experts are not sure why. Some believe that physical activity keeps our metabolism high, making the processes in our body happen more rapidly.
Older adults tend to have a more sedentary life compared with younger people and are therefore at higher risk of constipation. Physically active people are much less likely to become constipated than inactive people.
3) Some drugs
The most common medications to cause constipation are:
Narcotic (opioid) pain drugs including codeine (Tylenol), oxycodone (Percocet), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Antidepressants including amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil)
Anticonvulsants including phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) iron supplements
Calcium channel blocking drugs including diltiazem (Cardizem) and nifedipine (Procardia)
Aluminum-containing antacids including Amphojel and Basaljel
Diuretics including chlorothiazide (Diuril)
4) Milk
Some people become constipated when they consume milk and dairy products.
5) Irritable bowel syndrome
People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) get constipation much more frequently, compared with the rest of the population.
6) Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about hormonal changes that can make a woman more susceptible to constipation. Also, the uterus may compress the intestine, slowing down the passage of food.
7) Aging
As we get older, our metabolism slows down, resulting in less intestinal activity. The muscles in the digestive tract do not work as well as they used to.
8) Changes in routine
When we travel, our normal routine changes; this can have an effect on our digestive system, which sometimes results in constipation. Meals are eaten at different times, we might go to bed, get up, and go to the toilet at different times. All these changes can raise the risk of constipation.
9) Overuse of laxatives
Some people believe we should go to the toilet at least once a day - this is not true. However, to make sure this happens, some people self-medicate with laxatives.
Laxatives are effective; they do help bowel movements. However, using them regularly allows the body to get used to their action and gradually the dose needs to increase to get the same effect. Laxatives can be habit-forming. When we become dependent on them, there is a significant risk of constipation when they are stopped.
10) Not going to the toilet when needed
If individuals ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, the urge can gradually go away until the individual no longer feels the need to go. The longer it is delayed, the drier and harder the stool will become.
--Treatments for constipation--
In the majority of cases, constipation resolves itself without any treatment or risk to health.
The treatment of recurring constipation can include lifestyle changes such as doing more exercise, eating more fiber, and drinking more water.
Usually, laxatives will successfully treat most cases of constipation - but should be used with care and only when necessary. In more difficult cases, the person may need a prescription medication.
It is important to understand the cause of constipation - there could be an underlying illness or condition. Some people with recurring constipation use a daily diary where they record their bowel movements, stool characteristics, and other factors that may help both the doctor and patient devise the best treatment.
Some gastroenterologists comment that there are people who do not allocate enough time for their defecation. Set aside enough time to allow your toilet visit to be unstressed and uninterrupted, and do not ignore an urge to have a bowel movement.
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