Constipation is a condition in which a person has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints globally.
People of all ages can have an occasional bout of constipation. So, you are not alone if you have constipation!
But do you know constipation may be a symptom of another condition or it may be caused by a variety of factors with lifestyle being prominent?
Here is a list of the most common causes of constipation:
• Not getting enough fiber (fruit, vegetables, whole grains)
• Not consuming enough liquids, especially water
• Food intolerances, especially to dairy or wheat.
• Food allergy; seems to be a significant etiologic factor for chronic constipation in infants and young children.
• Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle
• Disturbed sleep is associated with constipation and other bowel issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Poor posture can impact the movement of the stool through the colon.
• Emotional stress, especially anxiety
• Breathing dysfunction can impact bowel function.
• Quitting smoking can contribute to constipation
• Some prescription medications can cause constipation e.g. pain medications, antacids, calcium channel blockers, antiparkinson drugs, antispasmodics, antidepressants, diuretics, anticonvulsants
• Calcium and iron supplementation can constipate, particularly if taken in a poorly absorbed form or if taken in a dose in excess of what the body can absorb. Mineral chelates (gluconate, picolinate, glycinate) are generally more absorbable than the sulfate or oxide forms.
• Chronic laxative use can suppress the body’s natural peristalsis, leading to significant rebound constipation when the laxatives are discontinued.
• Insufficient production or release of digestive secretions can cause constipation
Taking the above causes of constipation into perspective, most often, constipation can be treated through dietary and lifestyle changes, but a detailed assessment is required to determine which factors are contributing to the constipation in order to stimulate the innate ability of the body to heal; the cause(s) of disease must be identified and addressed to provide solution(s) to the disease. Therefore, always consult your doctor for diagnosis.
On final note, constipation can cause complications, such as hemorrhoids, which occur by straining to have a bowel movement, or anal fissures (tears in the skin around the anus) which occur when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle. This can result in rectal bleeding.
Sometimes, straining also causes rectal prolapse, where a small amount of intestinal lining pushes out from the anal opening. Constipation may also cause fecal impaction, which occurs mostly in children and older adults. The hard stool packs the intestine and rectum so tightly that the normal pushing action of the colon is not enough to expel the stool.
However, if you have constipation you can also get professional advice and treatment from the homeopath at Farm Herbal Pro.
