Regulate your Bowel Movements

Constipation is quite common. It is a digestive problem characterized by infrequent bowel movements. In constipation, the stools become dry and hard, and pass through the colon more slowly than normal, despite the contraction of intestinal muscles. When the time comes to expel the stool, the person will suffer from painful removal of the stools because of its size and hardness. Normally, the average bowel movement is anywhere from 3 times in a day or 3 times in a week. With constipation, the sufferer experiences stool removal less than 3 times a week.

Normal feelings associated with constipation include bloatedness (accumulation of the stools in the digestive tract), discomfort, and sluggishness.

Constipation is caused by several factors, the most obvious and common of which is the lack of water and fluids in the digestive tract. When food is digested and passed to the rest of the tract, the intestines absorb water and nutrients from it. The intestines also "push" the stools to the end of the tract using involuntary contractions. In constipation, there is barely enough water to move the stools normally through the intestines, or the colon absorbs too much water. Evidently, a person needs to drink a lot of water to keep the bowels going.

There are also other factors that can affect the normal flow of stools. Delaying going to the rest room to remove the stools on time, not eating enough fiber, not exercising, and taking laxatives and other medicine can complicate the problem and make inadequate water available to the intestines.

Constipation should be treated right away so as to reduce discomfort and to lessen the chances of fecal impaction and serious hemorrhoids. Fortunately, one does not need to take expensive medication to treat constipation. The two most important things to take when suffering from constipation are water and fiber from food.

Water

If constipation is caused by a lack of water, then drinking a lot of water is the obvious solution. One does not have to drink pure water solely; he/she can complete fluid intake by drinking fruit juices, beverages, and foods that have high water content.

Fiber
Why is fiber so important in alleviating constipation? This is because most fiber is indigestible. It helps flush out excess stool deposits and absorbs toxins found in the digestive tract. Sources of fiber include all types of fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes, and beans. Because the sources of fiber are so abundant, one has no excuse not to take them in order to cure constipation.

There are also other things you can do to cure and prevent constipation, such as engaging in frequent exercise, taking mineral oil and pertinent medication (only when recommended by a doctor). As you can see, having a healthy lifestyle is needed to prevent constipation in your life.

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