Friday, August 12, 2011


Constipation: Keeping Your Bowels Moving Smoothly

What is constipation?

Constipation is a common digestive problem. It may be hard for you to have a bowel movement or stool may be infrequent. His stool or feces can be very hard, making it difficult to move and cause you to have to make a great effort to expel them. Or you may feel like you still need to have a bowel movement (stool) even though it already has.

How often should I evacuate?

Not all people have a bowel movement ("they have a bowel movement" or make poop) once a day. It is true that a person be considered "regular" you must evacuate every day. A normal range is generally three (3) times a day to three (3) times per week. You may be constipated if you begin to have bowel movements much less often than is normal for you.

What causes constipation?

As the food you eat passes through your digestive tract, the body absorbs nutrients and water from food. This process creates the stool moves through your intestines by muscle contractions (squeezing).

A variety of things can cause the stools to move more slowly through the intestines causing constipation. You can influence the process if it goes to the bathroom whenever you feel the urge to evacuate, if you do not drink enough fluids, get enough exercise or eat enough fiber, and if you take certain medications or taking laxatives regularly. Constipation is also common in pregnant women.


Avoiding constipation

Do not resist the urge to evacuate (to the body or poop)
Make time to evacuate. A good time may be after breakfast or any meal.
Eat more fiber.
Drink plenty of fluids, eight (8) glasses a day is a good goal. Fluids can include water, juice, soup, tea and other beverages
Do not take laxatives too often. Overuse of laxatives can damage your bowels and may actually worsen constipation.
Exercise more frequently.
Limit foods that are high in fat and sugar such as sweets, cheese and processed foods. These foods can cause constipation.


What is the treatment for constipation?

The key to treating constipation is to eat enough fiber and drinking enough fluids. This helps your stools move through your intestines by increasing the volume of your stool and making it softer. Increase the frequency with which you exercise will help.

Talk to your family doctor if:
Constipation is something new and unusual for you
You are constipated for three or more weeks despite home treatment have been done, as diet changes.
Pain in the stomach
You notice blood in your stools (in poop)
Lose weight for no reason

How do I start to eat more fiber?

It suggests that men 50 years of age or younger should consume at least 38 grams of fiber daily, while women age 50 and younger should consume at least 25 grams of fiber daily. To add more fiber to your diet, eat at least 2 cups of fruits and 2 1 / 2 cups of vegetables (vegetables) daily. Also try to eat cereals that contain bran (bran) or adding bran as a topping on your fruit or cereal.


Foods rich in fiber

Unprocessed wheat bran
Breakfast cereals, raw
Whole wheat bread and brown rice
Fresh fruits
Dried fruits like prunes, apricots and figs
Vegetables (vegetables)
Legumes such as beans (beans) small white beans, kidney beans and pinto beans.

Should I use laxatives?

In general, try to avoid using laxatives. These are not designed for long-term use. One exception is bulk-forming laxatives.

They work naturally to add bulk and water to their feces (stool), so they can move more easily through your intestines. Bulk-forming laxatives can be used every day. These include oat bran, psyllium (one brand: Metamucil), polycarbophil (one brand FiberCon) and methylcellulose (one brand: Citrucel).

How are bulk-forming laxatives?

You must use bulk-forming laxatives daily for them to work. Follow the directions on the label. Start slowly and drink plenty of fluids. Gradually increase the amount used by each three (3) to five (5) days as your body becomes accustomed to your stools are soft and easy to pass.

You can make bulk-forming laxatives taste better by mixing them with fruit juices.

Do bulk-forming laxatives have side effects?

You may notice some bloating, gas or cramping at first, especially if you start taking too much or increase the amount you are using too quickly. These symptoms should disappear within a few weeks or less.

Does the mineral oil is a good laxative?

Generally, mineral oil should only be used when your doctor recommends it, as when you just had surgery and should not strain to evacuate. Mineral oil should not be used regularly. If used regularly, can cause a deficiency of vitamins such as A, D, E and K.

Should I try enemas?

Enemas are not usually needed to relieve constipation. It is better to let your body work more naturally.

What if I have been using enemas or laxatives for a long time?

If you've used laxatives and enemas for a long time, your GP may suggest that you stop using gradually to give your body a chance to return to normal. You may have to retrain your body to evacuate without using laxatives or enemas. This means eating enough fiber, and possibly use a bulk-forming laxative, drinking plenty of water, exercise and learning to give your body time to have a bowel movement. Be patient! It may take many months for your bowels to return to normal. Talk to your family doctor about any concerns you have.