Sunday, March 8, 2009

Some Helpful Facts about Constipation

By Katie A. Price

If you're having a hard time passing out your stool, then most likely you have a condition called constipation. Generally, if you lack exercise and your diet is low in fiber, then you are prone to develop constipation. Hemorrhoids are often the resultant illness of constipation due to straining or forcing the stool to come out.

Some causes of constipation include a low fiber diet, low fluid intake and dehydration, medications such as diuretics, problems in the anal sphincter, and a low metabolic rate. Certain diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract such as tumors and diverticulitis can also cause constipation. If a patient has just undergone surgery, there is a great risk for constipation due to the cessation in the normal digestive process upon administration of general anesthesia.

To prevent having constipation, doctors and other health care providers suggest increasing the fluid intake and fiber in the diet. With adequate amounts of water, stools are softened making them easy to expel. There are also certain foods that have to be avoided in order to prevent having constipation. Usually, fatty foods are great contributors for constipation and therefore should be lessened or if possible, removed from the diet.

Aside from diet, constipation can also be prevented through increasing your physical activity. Try doing a simple regular exercise and make it a habit. Exercise is proven to be effective in improving your bodys circulation. With an improved circulation, there is an adequate supply of blood in your small and large intestines making them function better.

In case you already have constipation, and you are really having a hard time in dealing with it, you can always try natural remedies first before proceeding to taking drugs. Try drinking apple juice because it helps in relieving constipation. You can also try eating more fruits such as grapes, pineapple, pears, and apples. Vegetables such as carrots and lettuce are also helpful in relieving constipation, but do not forget to drink enough water.

For constipation that is caused by diseases such as tumors, a procedure called a colonic irrigation is performed. This is usually done at bedside with an administration of an enema. Another method called digital extraction is done so as to give way to the passage of stool. Digital extraction is done manually upon the doctor's order.

Foods that could cause constipation should be avoided. Examples of these foods are those that are oily like pizza and pasta. Usually these foods are rich in flour that could cause constipation. Cheese is also a leading cause of constipation. People who love eating meat are also at risk for developing constipation because meat is not rich in fiber.

For chronic constipation, drugs are usually given to the patient. However, never try taking drugs without the doctor's prescription because it can also bring harmful side effects instead of just relieving your constipation. - 15437

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