Cures for Constipation

Constipation isn't one of those subjects most people love to discuss, but it happens to more people than most realize. In fact, everyone will suffer constipation one time or the other in their lifetime. The condition can be painful as well as frustrating. Fortunately, there are many cures out there for people suffering the condition.

What is Constipation?

Constipation happens when it's difficult to have a bowel movement or it occurs less frequently than normal. What's normal for one person can be totally different for another. Some people have bowel movements several times a day, while others may experience one several times a week. Anything longer than three days is too long, because the stool will become hard making it more difficult to get rid of.
A person is considered constipated if after three months they are still either straining during a bowel movement, their stools are hard 25% of the time, they don't completely pass all their stool 25% of the time, and have two or less bowel movements within a weeks time.

Causes

Many things can cause constipation such as not drinking enough water, lack of fiber, disrupting your regular routine, stress, dairy products, not going to the bathroom when you need to, over using laxatives, some medications, as well as some eating disorders. Sometimes constipation can be linked to a more serious problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, colon cancer, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis and ischemia. As far as researchers are concerned, age doesn't cause a person to become constipated. The digestive tract was designed to function for life.

Treatment

If you find yourself constipated you can try adding additional fiber to your diet found in whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables. You should try to get at least 25 grams of fiber each day. If you don't care to eat your fiber, you can get it through supplements. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, and drink warm liquids in the morning. Eating prunes or drinking prune juice, has helped many people relive their symptoms of constipation. You can also take a mild stool softener or laxative to relive your symptoms. It's not recommended to take these medications over a long period of time. Evidence has shown they can damage your colon, and you can become dependent on them for a bowel movement. If nothing seems to be relieving your constipation, you can try an enema.

Prevention/Solution

Many people just need to change their lifestyle and diet to get relief from their symptoms of constipation. It's important to exercise regularly and drink 1.5 to 2 quarts of liquid every day. If you are suffering constipation, avoid caffeinated liquids as they have a tendency to dehydrate your system and can make your constipation worse. Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables. When you feel the need to have a bowel movement, don't hold it, go to the bathroom.

Risks

Most of the time constipation is not related to another illness and can be dealt with at home. You need to check with your doctor if you suddenly become constipated and it lasts for more than a couple of weeks, or there is blood in your stool. You should also check with your doctor if you suddenly start losing weight, or have severe pain when you have a bowel movement. These could all be signs of something more serious taking place.