Constipation is a condition that occurs when people have a bowel movement less than three times per week on average. On top of that, the stools are typically hard, dry and small. In case you’re dealing with this kind of problem, you’ll likely experience a few other symptoms including sluggishness, a bloated stomach, and uncomfortable bowel movements.
Experts have determined that the colon is the area that should be focused on in a situation like this. Namely, the colon has one primary task – to eliminate water from waste materials that come from the small intestine and pass through the colon. In other words, this organ serves as a sort of waste material storage area. With its help, your system can move and eliminate stools from the body. So, constipation usually occurs when the colon eliminates a high amount of water leading to dry and hard stools. This stool moves very slowly through the colon. In some cases, persons dealing with constipation are completely unable to eliminate the stool although they feel that they need to go to the toilet.
Constipation is a condition that must be taken seriously and you should start treating it when it emerges in order to avoid abdominal discomfort and similar signs and symptoms. The complications that are related to constipation are too serious to be ignored. Fecal impaction and hemorrhoids are just some of the examples of these complications. Very often, these complications cause intense pain. This is one of the reasons why many popular websites dedicated to natural remedies like lll have articles focused on helping people suffering from constipation.
Who is affected by constipation?
According to some statistics, constipation is the most frequent GI (gastrointestinal) problem in the world. These statistics show that about 2% of the population is dealing with constipation regularly. In most cases, the sufferers are women and their percentage is higher when they are pregnant and during the breastfeeding period. In addition, senior citizens and children are more prone to this condition. It’s also good to mention that the vast majority of people will face constipation at some point in their lives and they will feel it with different intensity. However, in most cases, this problem will be resolved quickly and without the need to consult a doctor. Most people use some basic treatments that were used for many years like natural laxatives or foods rich in fiber.
Preventing constipation
The best way to avoid constipation is to take some activities that will prevent its emergence. Your diet should be your priority. By eliminating foods that cause constipation and adding food that is good for your gastrointestinal tract, you will keep your body safe from this unpleasant condition.
First and foremost, you should include more fiber in the diet. Even though most people are aware of the importance of fiber-rich food, most people don’t eat foods like this. The simplest way to get fiber is to eat cereals, veggies, and fresh fruit. Of course, drinking suitable amount of water is important too. People should drink between two and three liters of water a day. While we are talking about fluids it’s good to know that coffee and tea are causing dehydration.
Finally, you should get involved in the regular physical activity to support proper bowel movements.