Constipation

Constipation is a condition during which bowel movements aren't regular or becomes very difficult. It can be a painful condition. Many people also complain of feeling bloated and uncomfortable when they are constipated. Unfortunately, almost everyone has bouts of constipation at one time or another. It can be related to diet, lack of exercise, stress, or a disease process. It occurs when the smooth muscle that lines the bowels doesn't work properly, therefore not allowing the body to move waste through and expel it. It is important to not ignore the problem. Finding the underlying reason for the condition and working to fix it should occur as soon as possible.

Although the smooth muscles of the bowels are not under our conscious control, they can still be affected by nerves and stress. What we eat also plays a large role in our body's physiological functions. Good nutrition is integral to living a healthy life. If you find yourself straining to have a bowel movement or feeling uncomfortably bloated, try eating more foods with fiber in them. Also, be sure you're getting enough fluids - especially water. If the problem doesn't improve through dietary changes, gentle laxatives might be your next step. However, laxatives shouldn't be used long term, as they can actually make the condition worse later.

There are many conditions that can contribute to constipation. Cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease are all examples. It can also be caused by lack of exercise, travel, pregnancy, and hemorrhoids. It is also the side effect of some common medications. The good thing is that it is a treatable condition that usually doesn't last too long. And there are numerous lifestyle changes you can make to decrease the chances of it recurring. Even small changes, such as eating cereal with bran or eating prunes will help the body immensely.

If you have tried to treat the condition yourself with little to no changes, it might be a good idea to consult a doctor. There are tests that can be done to find the reason and therefore put you on the road to recovery. When you go to the doctor, you may find that you have a GI disorder or allergies that are causing the issue. The faster you get it managed, the more you can enjoy life and start feeling better.