According
to the English Dictionary, Constipation is an act of crowding anything into a
lesser compass (like a container), or the state of being crowded or pressed
together.
Medically,
Constipation is a state of the bowels in which evacuations are infrequent and
difficult. It could also be a condition whereby the intestines become filled
with hardened faeces.
Constipation
can lead to swollen abdomen or abdominal pain, vomiting, among others. When stool
forms, it is formed in the rectum, as large stool gets stock; the rectum is
enlarged (stressed) and as more stool forms it moves back into the colon, thus
causing abdominal pain and vomiting.
What
Really Causes Constipation
Constipation
can be a result of a number of things; it varies from individual to individual,
just as the effect on the individual varies. Approach to correcting the effect
of constipation is never a one direction approach. The following are some of
the most common causes of Constipation.
1.
Inadequate Water Intake
Water is an essential
part of the nutrition and digestive system. It is essential to achieve a
balanced diet (nutrition) and key to ensure that the digestive process is
accomplished easily. The right amount of water in the digestive system can be
likened to having the right amount of engine oil in our engines, inadequate oil
will lead to problems for the machine, so is water. It is advisable to take a
substantial amount of water when taking our meals and even after meals. Taking water
at the early hours of the day (just out of bed) improves the activity of the
bowels and ensures prompt excretion.
2.
Inadequate Fiber in The Diet
Fibers are coarse
fibrous substance in food largely composed of cellulose. They are found in
grains, fruits, and vegetables and they aid digestion. This largely
indigestible matter is considered to play a role in the prevention of many
disease of digestive tract.
3.
A Disruption of Regular Diet or Routine
Regular diet – eating at
the appropriate time has been argued to be a function of healthy living. The body
itself is like a system that understands what happens with it at specific
times. There are enzymes in the body that reacts to foods we eat, and as such
they act at specific times – so if they do not get what they want at the right
time, they act on what is available. Ensure that regular balanced meals become
a habit.
4.
Inadequate Activity or Exercise or Immobility
Exercise has been
proved medically to help keep individuals fit not only in the way they look but
also how their internal mechanism functions. However, you should have a good
understanding of your body system and the type of exercise that is good for
your health. It is advised that you do not go to bed immediately after meals,
at least there should be some form of mobility (movement) so the meal can
settle down properly in the right places. Inadequate activity is one of the
reason constipation is common in older people (since their mobility is limited).
5.
Eating Large Amount of Dairy Products
Dairy products such as
milk, chocolates, etc. are known to be cause of constipation in people when
they have been taken in excess. While they are good for the health in their own
respect, care should be taken in how they are consumed.
6.
Resisting The Urge for Bowel Movement
Urge for bowel movement
could be resisted at times as a result from hemorrhoid (an engorged, dilated
and easily having swollen vein in the perianal area often accompanied by
intense itching and throbbing pain). When this happens, it is advised to see a
medical person on necessary advised.
7.
Overuse of Laxatives
A laxative (stool
softener) could be a drug or any other substance for that matter, which aids
digestion and prevents constipation. It does this by promoting bowel movements
either by irritating the lower colon or by bulking the stool. However, over
dependent on laxative is not advised as it has effects in the long run. It is
strongly advised to take precaution on constipation having remedial approach
when it’s in effect. Overuse of laxative overtime weakens the bowel muscles.
8.
Stress
Stress is a common phenomenon
that cuts across individuals and whose effect goes beyond the just constipation
to more severe health issues. It is strongly advised to live a stress free life
as the consequences of not doing so are enormous
