Constipation - Having regular bowel movements

Constipation is when you have trouble having bowel movements or they seldomly occur. Normal bowel movements are in number of 1 every day or every other day. For some people, bowel movements several times a day are normal and when they happen more spaced, they can consider to have constipation. Your stools may be very hard, making them so difficult to pass that you have to strain. Or you may feel like you still need to have a bowel movement even after you've had one.

Tips on preventing constipation

Don't resist the urge to have a bowel movement. Modern life has made us postpone the need to have bowel movements for our "rest" periods. Go and have a bowel movement when you feel it or set aside time to have a bowel movement. A good time may be after breakfast or any other meal.

For prevention, eat more fiber ( leafy vegetables, cereal with fiber, whole grains, psyllium, etc ) . Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids--at least 8 glasses a day. Fluids can include water, juices, soup, tea and other drinks. Avoid the use of laxatives too often. Exercise or move around more.

What causes constipation?

As the food you eat passes through your digestive tract, your body takes nutrients and water from the food. This process creates a stool, which is moved through your intestines with muscle contractions (squeezing motions).A number of things can affect this process. These include not drinking enough fluids, not being active enough, not eating enough fiber, taking certain drugs ( such as narcotic pain medications ), not going to the bathroom when you have the urge to have a bowel movement and regularly using laxatives. Any of these things can cause the stools to move more slowly through your intestines, leading to constipation.

How is constipation treated?

The main thing in treating constipation is to be sure you're eating enough fiber and drinking enough fluids. This helps your stools move through your intestines by increasing the bulk of your stools and making your stools softer. Increasing how much you exercise will also help.

When can a visit to a doctor be of use?

New onset constipation

Constipation for 3 weeks or more ( Chronic constipation )
Constipation and pain
Constipation and blood in stool

Constipation and unexplained weight loss

Diet

Eat plenty of fiber (see image below). Two to 4 servings of fruits and 3 to 5 servings of vegetables a day is ideal. Add extra fiber to your diet by eating cereals that contain bran or by adding bran as a topping on your fruit or cereal.

If you are adding fiber to your diet, start slowly and gradually increase the amount. This will help reduce gas and bloating. Make sure to drink plenty of water too.

Treatment for constipation

A. Bulk Forming Laxatives:

These work naturally to add bulk and water to your stools so that they can pass more easily through your intestines. These can and need to be used every day. They include oat bran, psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon) and methylcellulose (Citrucel). Follow the directions on the label. Start slowly and drink plenty of fluids. Gradually increase how much you use every 3 to 5 days (as you get used to it) until you get the effect you want. Side effects include some bloating, gas or cramping at first, especially if you start taking too much or increase the amount you're using too quickly. These symptoms should go away in a few weeks or less.

B. Other Laxatives: Such as Mineral Oil, Milk of Magnesia can definitely be useful, but are recommended to be used under doctor's surveilance due to avoid dependance on them

C. Osmotic Laxatives: such as Lactulose or Miralax: Should also be used under guidance.

Alternative Treatment for constipation

Use Flaxseed Oil, or even better, grind the fresh flaxseed with your favorite fruit and some figs as a smoothie. You will not only get the excellent fatty acids but you will get plenty of fiber.

You can also use a probiotic with at least 4 billion CFU daily. Add in some cascara sagrada two or three times a day.

Magnesium can be used for short periods of time as a supplement.

Finally you could use Nux Vomica ( homeopathic ) potency 30C for patients with urge of passing stools but being unable to. Lycopodium 30C should be used for patients with gas and bloating plus constipation.

Acupuncture and acupressure plus chinese herbs have a lot to offer, so visit your local acupuncturist!

There is even some massage to relieve constipation!