What is Constipation?

We’ve all heard about constipation, but just what is constipation? Believe it or not, many people suffer from constipation regularly and women tend to have it more often than men. Most women experience constipation more often just prior to their monthly period and throughout pregnancy, and while it is not usually a serious condition, problems can arise if it is not treated properly.

Understanding what is constipation also means knowing the symptoms such as having a stomach ache and cramps, feeling bloated or sick, experiencing changes in your normal bathroom pattern, loss of appetite, depression, fatigue, headaches and “furred” tongue.

You should absolutely see a doctor if you are suffering from any of these symptoms for more than a few days, it might not seem serious but it could be. Alone, having one or more of these symptoms might not mean much, but coupled with your bowel problems – it’s just better to err on the side of caution.

Various Treatments Used to Cure Constipation

Sometimes there’s a simple cure for common, every day constipation – just increase the amount of fiber in your daily diet by adding in more fruits, veggies and whole-grain or multi-grain cereals or carbohydrate products.

Another thing that many people don’t realize the importance of is the amount of water they drink each day, which can have a huge impact on your overall diet and health. If you suffer from occasional constipation, drinking more water and eating healthier foods will help to prevent bowel problems in the future and will keep you healthier in the long run.

Being more active is also a big help for most people who suffer from constipation – even a brisk walk around the block can help to prevent bowel issues.

Laxatives may seem like a quick and easy solution, but you should really only use them on a limited basis and not take them regularly; if you have problems on a regular basis you should really speak with a doctor.

Understanding what is constipation and the simple steps you can do to treat and prevent it should help you to avoid it – in most cases – in the future.

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