Usually constipation cannot be described and of unknown cause. However, certain factors can stimulate or aggravate this phenomenon. For example, a diet low in fiber is one of the most common factors for this problem.
Fiber not absorbed from the bowel during digestion. They live in the large intestine and help retain water in the stool. Fiber works like a sponge absorbs water: they make a bowel movement is more gentle, and fiber cause contractions of the colon. In this way, facilitate the spending of feces.
We often hear people have to drink a lot to prevent constipation or constipation ( "defecation hard hard out "). But there is no agreement on this. The water we drink "in capacity " by the body and therefore does not end up in the colon. Severe dehydration can cause constipation, but apart from extreme cases like that, the relationship between the amount of fluid ingested and constipation are not yet proven.
Causes of constipation in women and men: gender and age
Constipation or constipation is more common especially in women than men. 80% of people with constipation are women. Currently it is unclear why this is so. It is possible that the existence of a certain hormone receptors in the wall of the colon could explain part of this phenomenon. Hormones can also be responsible for the general problem of constipation or constipation in pregnant women. Lower physical activity during pregnancy can also worsen symptoms of constipation: there is often a relationship between lifestyle and constipation.
In addition to gender, age is also a factor that affects the constipation. Older people are more prone to suffer constipation or constipation. Research has shown that the functions of the colon and rectum is unaffected by age. So constipation not directly related to aging-related diseases, but with more frequent use of drugs and the life lived. Elderly people are far more at risk of experiencing constipation or constipation than in children toddlers or younger adults.
Disease and constipation: why constipation?
Some diseases can cause constipation or chronic constipation. This is the case with certain neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and trauma and disease of the spinal cord.
Metabolic disorders such as hypothyroidism (thyroid function is too slow) or diabetes (blood sugar) can cause constipation.
Constipation can also be associated with certain cases of colorectal cancer.
Some cases of constipation may have something to do with psychological problems like eating disorders or sexual abuse earlier. However, this is a minority because of constipation is very common and is often no obvious cause.
Many medications can cause constipation: some types of antidepressants, benzodiazepines, antikolinergik, painkillers such as morphine, etc. However, the side effects that may occur, this does not occur in all patients. These side effects usually occur in people who already have the tendency of constipation. If constipation symptoms seemed obvious and annoying, change of treatment can be considered along with the doctor.
Prevent Constipation: Overcoming Constipation Naturally
To prevent constipation or constipation, it is important to follow the fiber-rich foods that can improve the consistency of the stool. Ideally, 30 grams of fiber should be eaten every day. As a comparison, the average us only consumes 15 to 20 grams.
To increase fiber consumption, we need to eat more complete meal such as:
- bread,
- cereals,
- rice,
- pasta.
It is also important to eat more fruits and vegetables and especially the ' dry ' varieties such as nuts, grains or plums, which also contains a lot of fiber. Drinking enough is also recommended, although we cannot prevent constipation by drinking. Research has shown that the amount of fluid intake can not increase the frequency or consistency of stool.
Constipation does not always require treatment with medications. Sometimes a few simple steps in the field of nutrition and lifestyle quite to do correctly. A life of inactivity such as trigger constipation. In the case of frequent constipation then it is recommended to perform moderate physical activity: walking, climbing stairs, cycling, etc.
How To Cope With Constipation: Constipation Treatment
How to launch a CHAPTER: with osmotic laxative
There are many laxatives sold without prescribed. Therefore, there are many ways of doing his own treatment. But some abuse laxatives cause health risks.
Advantage of what is called the osmotic laxatives is that they can be used for a long time without risk of conditioning. They begin work after a day or two. They are usually recommended for chronic constipation.
Relieving constipation: osmotic Laxative sugar
Osmotic laxatives draw water into the colon. In this way they provide evacuation of the bowel movement. Some osmotic laxative (laktilol, laktulosa, pentaerititol, sorbitol, manitol) is actually sugar that is not absorbed from the small intestine. That way they end up in the colon. Carbohydrates were broken down into several parts and draw water. Stool volume increase and the wall of the colon begins to contract. In this way the evacuation bowel movement is stimulated. The type of laxative it sometimes causes pain in the stomach.
So chapter smoothly: osmotic Laxative pure
The second type of osmotic laxative is a purely osmotic (magrocol). As a sponge they attract water, making bowel movements become more gentle. Laxatives usually causes less discomfort in the stomach.
Quick effects: how to be easy chapters (defecation)
Laxatives stimulates direct stimulation of working through the nerves of the colon: colon contracts, thus stimulating evacuation of the bowel movement. Stimulant laxatives has the advantage of quick and effective enough (a few hours). The drawback is they can only be used once in a while.