The Cause of Constipation can be due to many different things.
A lot of people think that if they do not have a bowel movement once a day that they are constipated.
However, this is not the case. Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week.
If you are constipated your stools are usually hard, dry, small in size and difficult to eliminate.
Understanding the cause of constipation, prevention and treatment will help most people find relief.
One cause of constipation is not having enough fiber in your diet. The bulk and texture of fiber help to prevent hard, dry stools. If you eat a high fiber diet more than likely you will not have a problem with constipation.
Eating foods high in fat such as eggs, cheese and meats can also cause constipation. Most physicians suggest a minimum of 30 grams of fiber per day in your diet. However, it is important to check with your physician before increasing fiber in your diet as some physical conditions are best treated with a diet low in fiber.
Another cause of constipation is dehydration. Liquids such as water and juices add fluid to the colon and bulk to the stools. This helps to make the bowel movement easier to pass. Caffeinated drinks such cola and coffee should be avoided however, since they can cause dehydration. Most healthcare providers suggest taking in six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement can be another cause of constipation. A lot of times people tend to put off having a bowel movement if they are in public and do not want to use public restrooms. Or they may ignore the urge to have a bowel movement because they are too busy.
If you continue to ignore the urge of having a bowel movement eventually you will stop feeling the need to have one and become constipated. This is such an easy challenge to correct… simply listen to your body and respond to the need to have a bowel movement.
If you suffer from constipation it is important to see your doctor so that together you can both determine the cause of constipation and eliminate any serious problems such as intestinal blockage.
Once you have established that your constipation is not serious there are different treatment options that you and your doctor can discuss that will work best for you.
Don’t delay; there are several simple and easy to implement treatment options for the cause of your constipation.