Constipation:
Constipation means different things to different people. You may have constipation if you have three or fewer bowel movements in a week or if stool is hard, dry, painful, or difficult to pass. Some people with constipation lack energy and feel full or bloated.
Some people think they have constipation if they don’t have a bowel movement every day. However, bowel habits are different for everyone. The foods you eat, how much you exercise, and other factors can affect your bowel habits.
At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts for only a short time and is not serious. When you understand what causes constipation, you can take steps to prevent it.
To understand what causes constipation, it helps to know how the large intestine works. The large intestine removes most of the water from stool and changes it to a solid waste. The large intestine then moves the stool through the rectum and anus as a bowel movement.
Constipation occurs when stool passes through the large intestine too slowly. When stool stays in the large intestine too long, the intestine removes too much water, and the stool becomes hard and dry.
Some lifestyle habits that may cause constipation include
Some people think they have constipation if they don’t have a bowel movement every day. However, bowel habits are different for everyone. The foods you eat, how much you exercise, and other factors can affect your bowel habits.
At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts for only a short time and is not serious. When you understand what causes constipation, you can take steps to prevent it.
To understand what causes constipation, it helps to know how the large intestine works. The large intestine removes most of the water from stool and changes it to a solid waste. The large intestine then moves the stool through the rectum and anus as a bowel movement.
Constipation occurs when stool passes through the large intestine too slowly. When stool stays in the large intestine too long, the intestine removes too much water, and the stool becomes hard and dry.
Some lifestyle habits that may cause constipation include
- changing your normal diet, exercise, or travel habits
- ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
- feeling a lot of stress
- eating a low-fiber diet
- not drinking enough liquids
- taking calcium or iron supplements
- taking medicines such as painkillers with codeine
Points to Remember
- Constipation may be present if you have three or fewer bowel movements in a week or if the stool is hard, dry, painful, or difficult to pass.
- Constipation affects almost everyone at one time or another.
- In most cases, following these simple steps will help prevent constipation:
- Eat a variety of foods, especially vegetables, fruits, and grains.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Fiber pills and powders may help relieve constipation.
- Most people with mild constipation do not need laxatives.
