Constipation is a condition in where it is difficult to pass stools without having to strain to do so. Normally, it is a temporary condition and not a disease but if constipation continues over a prolonged period it can cause other health problems, chief of which can lead to hemorrhoids or piles. Of all complaints concerning the intestinal system of the body constipation is the commonest of health problems and it is estimated that in the United States of America alone there are more than four million people who complain of regular constipation.
Certain persons are worried if they do not have a daily passage of stools. It can be considered normal even if one has only two or three moves in a week. It all depends on the food and the person concerned and if there is no difficulty in the bowel movement there should be nothing to worry about. The chief causes of constipation are a wrong diet and not enough water in the body. Constipation occurs when the stools become dry and very hard. As the food passes or moves through the large intestine water is absorbed by it and the rest becomes waste matter or stools. If too much water is absorbed by the large intestine then the waste matter becomes very hard and by the time it reaches the rectum it has become so solid and dry that it is with great difficulty that it can be eliminated from the anus. If this happens for a lengthy period of time, straining to pass the stool can cause a stretching of the anus, which can result in bleeding and ultimately in piles or hemorrhoids.
Constipation can easily be avoided if some simple rules are followed.
Use a high fibre diet Fibre is the part of food that is not digested by the body. There are two types of fibres, those that are soluble and those that are insoluble. Soluble fibres are those that can easily dissolve in water and these end up in the intestine as a soft textured substance while the insoluble fibres which are not digested pass through without any change. Thus fibres help prevent hard stools from forming. A high fibre diet should consist of vegetables fruits such as mango and especially grains.
Inadequate intake of liquids Water is the best liquid to take in order to avoid dehydration, which can relieve constipation. Other fruit juices also can help but alcoholic beverages and liquids containing caffeine should be avoided.
Lack of exercise and reduced physical activity Illness, which causes a person to stay immobile in bed, can also lead to constipation and this is normally observed in older people. Another cause of constipation is not going to the toilet when there is an urge to have a bowel movement especially if outside the home. This may come about if one feels insecure using public toilets. Some may delay going to the toilet because they are too involved at that moment in some urgent activity and then the inclination passes which can cause constipation.
