Constipation

Constipation is the passing of dry, hard faeces fewer than three times a week. Individuals who have constipation may find it painful and difficult to have a bowel movement, also other symptoms include feeling sluggishness, bloated and uncomfortable. Constipation is a common ailment and everybody will suffer from it at least once within their life. It is more common in women over the age of sixty five and pregnant women; it is common after childbirth and surgery.

Constipation occurs when too much water is absorbed in the colon or when the colon is sluggish and slow again causing too much water to be absorbed. Common causes of constipation are too little fibre in the diet, not consuming enough water, lack of exercise, medications, irritable bowel syndrome, changes in routine or life such as pregnancy, old age and travel, laxative abuse, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, specific diseases such a stroke, problems with the rectum and colon and problems with intestinal functions.

The most common cause of constipation is a diet high in eggs, cheese, meat, refined processed foods and low in fibre which is found in fruits, vegetables and wholegrain. The soft texture and bulk of fibre helps to form stools that are easier to pass then dry, hard ones.

Water and juice add fluid to the colon which makes bowel movement easier, caffeine containing beverages such as tea; coffee and cola drinks and alcohol have a dehydrating effect which makes constipation worst. Individuals who have constipation should drink plenty of water and juices. Studies have shown that the lack of exercise makes constipation worst and anybody who has constipation is recommended to take regular exercise.

Medication such as anticonvulsants, pain medications, diuretics, antacids, iron supplements, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antiparkinson medication and antispasmodics can all cause constipation.

Individuals who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome have problems with their bowel movements; one of these symptoms is constipation.

Changes in life can cause constipation, pregnant women get constipated because of hormonal changes and the elderly get constipated because the metabolism get slower in old age and muscle tone becomes depleted.

Abuse of laxatives can cause constipation, the colon nerve endings get damaged and cause problems with the colon's natural ability to contract. The colon then begins to rely on laxatives to have a proper bowel movement. Ultimately, laxatives are also extremely dehydrating.

Individuals, who ignore the urge to have a bowel movement for one reason or another, can in fact cause constipation by training their body to stop feeling the urge to go.

There are specific diseases that can cause constipation such as neurological disorders, metabolic and endocrine disorders and systemic disorders. These disorders affect the organs system which can slow down the passage of stools through the colon. Scar tissue, tumours, intestinal obstructions, diverticulosis, colorectal stricture and cancer can all cause constipation by compressing, narrowing and squeezing the rectum.

Functional constipation occurs because of problems with the structure of the colon, children and adults both can get it but it is more common in women.

Constipation can cause problems for the body. An individual with constipation will no doubt strain to pass the hard stools when having a bowel movement, this straining can cause haemorriods and anal fissues. Straining can also cause a condition known as rectal prolapse, this is when a small amount of the intestinal lining is push out of the anal opening. Constipation may also cause a condition known as fecael impaction, this is when the hard stool is so impacted in the colon that normal pushing can not expel it and an enema is used to break up the stool and remove it.

When the bowel is clogged with faeces due to constipation, it provides an ideal environment for harmful bacteria and parasites to thrive. Poor bowel cleanness is the source for many disorders for the body, such as gall-bladder problems, varicose veins, heart disorders, arthritis, hiatus hernia, appendicitis, cancer of the colon, clotting in deep veins and diverticulitis. Intestinal toxaemia and autointoxication are cause directly from intestinal constipation. Constipation aids in the lowering of the body's resistance, thus leading to many acute and chronic illnesses.

Intestinal constipation causes extra workload for the other excretory organs such as the lymph, skin, liver, kidneys and lungs by causing cellular constipation. This causes the functioning of these organs to become overworked and depleted. Repair and growth are delayed, the ability to eliminate waste products is limited and cellular metabolism becomes sluggish. The cells become dead and inactive, instead of active and alive, this process helps in the decline of organ and tissue functioning ability.

Constipation causes autointoxication, this is a process where the body literally toxicants itself by keeping decaying matter within the colon. The toxin that are released within the bowel, find their way into the bloodstream and from there around the body. This slowly affects every cell in the body and causes illnesses.

Points to remember about constipation are that it effect everybody one time or an other, the most common cause of constipation is poor diet and lack of exercise, other causes are specific diseases, abuse of laxatives, medication and IBS. To prevent constipation or relieve symptoms eat a well balance high fibre diet, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.

In conclusion, we will all suffer from a short bout of constipation form time to time in our life and by changing our diet and lifestyle these symptoms can be elevated. The problems come with long term constipation and the negative affects it has on the body and it's ability to produce more problems with major illnesses. To improve the symptoms and therefore the general health of any individuals who has long term constipation, it would be wise to follow the dietary, lifestyle and natural treatments highlighted in this article. A clean bowel leads to a healthy body and when treating any patient with serious ailments, it would always be wise to question them about their bowel movements.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Bespoke consultations for a healthier natural life

Website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com Free nutritional eBook when you book!

---

Understanding Vegetarianism

Like the Sun, Moon, and Earth, there are three kinds of vegetarians in existence: ovo-lacto, a vegetarian that eats vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds and nuts, as... Read More

South Beach Diet - US vs. World

Diets concern especially Americans as they do have a "national weight problem". So it would only be natural that dieting issues be so over proportioned in the... Read More

How to Have Great Sex - Nutrition and Foods That Create Passion

Is the thrill gone? Has the thrill gone out of your love life and sex. Do you just spend boring evening after boring evening together watching the... Read More

Startling New Evidence: You Can Slow the Aging Process, Scientists Say

What if you could actually slow your rate of aging, and live healthier longer, simply by eating certain foods? U.S. Government scientists now say it's possible.Floyd P.... Read More

Omega 3s: Using Our Heads to Nourish Our Brains

We sometimes hear about ways that we can take care of our organs by the foods we injest. When we think about our diet we cannot help... Read More

Foods to Fight Disease

When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts - or the science. You need a healthy diet for a healthy life.Research shows a healthy diet... Read More

Green Tea and Cholesterol Facts

A green and lush oasis in the middle of a scorching dessert. A cool breeze on a hot summer night. A bright light in the end of... Read More

Refrigerator Water Filters vs. Bottled Water: Round 1

Water is the single most important element for human existence, yet many people do not know much about water. Water comprises 60% of a human's body weight,... Read More

Curbing Your Carbohydrate Addiction

Some experts consider carbohydrate craving and addiction as something more of the body than of the mind, meaning biological factors are generally considered to be the main... Read More

From Cell to Super Cell - with Glutathione

Imagine you're a cell.Inside your body runs the machinery that creates life itself. But as that machinery keeps running, day after day, you begin to get worn... Read More

Avocado - Ooh, What a Lovely Pear!

Many people avoid avocados thinking them to be fattening, but the truth is they are packed with Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) which burn fat so actually they... Read More

What You Should Know About

I don't understand people sometimes. You know, there is a huge problem with our health care. When it comes to trauma we are the best in the... Read More

Battling Childhood Obesity through Smart Eating

Finally, a positive solution regarding America's difficult and costly campaign to stem childhood obesity is emerging. For the thousands of children and their families who are currently... Read More

Capsulized Food: The Next Step in Food Evolution

Anyone who has spent a day fasting from food, or who has even skipped a meal, knows just how much time we save when we are not... Read More

Vitamins and Minerals for a Healthy Reproductive System

Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the development and proper performance of the reproductive system. Nutrition plays a vital role in the development and maturity... Read More

How to Use Flax Seed

You can eat whole flax seeds but you need to chew them good to break them up. Your stomach will not dissolve whole flax seeds and many... Read More

Lawsuits on Foods and Diets

The dangers of processed foods and diets Why is that the business of food processing is not strictly regulated by law so as to prevent health problems... Read More

Getting More Minerals From Your Fruits and Vegetables

Before the thirties, people knew the importance of mineral. Their soil was rich in minerals and they ate plenty of vegetable grown in these soils. When vitamins... Read More

Water - The Natural Choice

Proper hydration is extremely important during exercise. Adequate fluid intake for athletes, even the recreational kind, is essential to comfort, performance and safety. The longer and more... Read More

Creating Your Target of Health

Creating Your Target is easy.What I use to help create these targets is what I call SMARTS targets SMARTS stands for:Simple, Sensory, and Specific Measurable and Meaningful... Read More

Toxic Metal Removal Through Restored Protein Anabolism. Focus: Mercury Toxicity

Toxic metals exist in our environment as pollutants in our air, soil, water and consequently our food supply. We face the added challenge of the toxic metals... Read More

Correct Your Acid / Akaline Balance by the Water You Drink: What the Experts Say

In health circles there has been much recent talk about acid / alkaline imbalance. Let's see if we can clarify how experts recommend we correct this imbalance.The... Read More

Nutrition Know-how: Seven Simple Ways to Eat Healthier (with Strawberry Orange Sorbet Recipe)

The key to better health is learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy nutrients. The choices we make greatly affect our health. Making a few simple healthy... Read More

Gift of Health

People want to get the very best they can when purchasing anything.They research all of the alternatives and select what they feel is the best suited for... Read More

What You Eat Can Protect Your Skin from the Sun

(ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all of the health reasons there are for eating your vegetables. But recently, researchers from Harvard University have... Read More

The Face of the Waters

The story of creation begins with water. Water is an essential nutrient in our diet, but many people fail to address this important component of health. While... Read More