The Cause of
Constipation can be due to many
different things.
A lot of people think that
if they do not have a bowel movement once a
day that they are constipated.
However, this
is not the case. Constipation is defined as
having a bowel movement fewer than three
times per week.
If you are constipated your
stools are usually hard, dry, small in size
and difficult to eliminate.
Understanding
the cause of constipation, prevention and
treatment will help most people find relief.
One cause of constipation
is not having enough fiber in your diet. The
bulk and texture of fiber help to prevent
hard, dry stools. If you eat a high fiber
diet more than likely you will not have a
problem with constipation.
Eating foods high
in fat such as eggs, cheese and meats can
also cause constipation. Most physicians
suggest a minimum of 30 grams of fiber per
day in your diet. However, it is important
to check with your physician before
increasing fiber in your diet as some
physical conditions are best treated with a
diet low in fiber.
Another cause of
constipation is dehydration. Liquids such as
water and juices add fluid to the colon and
bulk to the stools. This helps to make the
bowel movement easier to pass. Caffeinated
drinks such cola and coffee should be
avoided however, since they can cause
dehydration. Most healthcare providers
suggest taking in six to eight 8-ounce
glasses of water each day.
Ignoring the urge to have
a bowel movement can be another cause of
constipation. A lot of times people tend to
put off having a bowel movement if they are
in public and do not want to use public
restrooms. Or they may ignore the urge to
have a bowel movement because they are too
busy.
If you continue to ignore the urge of
having a bowel movement eventually you will
stop feeling the need to have one and become
constipated. This is such an easy challenge
to correct... simply listen to your body and
respond to the need to have a bowel
movement.
If you suffer from
constipation it is important to see your
doctor so that together you can both
determine the cause of constipation and
eliminate any serious problems such as
intestinal blockage.
Once you have
established that your constipation is not
serious there are different treatment
options that you and your doctor can discuss
that will work best for you.
Don't delay; there are several simple and
easy to implement treatment options for the
cause of your constipation.
