What is constipation? When you ha...

What is constipation?

When you have worry having bowel movements, you have constipation. Your stools may be to a high degree hard, making them so difficult to pass that you have to strain and push. Or you may be excited like you still need to have a bowel manner of moving after you just had one

by what means often should I have a bowel movement?

Not everyone has bowel mental actions once a day. Do not believe ads that say you must have a daily bowel motion to be "regular." A normal range is generally from three times a day to three times a week. You may be getting constipated if you begin to have bowel motions much less often than you usually do.

What causes constipation?

As the bread you eat passes through your digestive tract, your visible form [i]or[/i] frame takes nutrients and water from the viands This process creates a stool, which is mov by the and of your intestines with muscle contractions (squeezing motions).

A number of things can affect this proces These include not drinking enough fluids, not being active enough, not eating enough fiber, taking certain medicines, not going to the bathroom when you have the encourage to have a bowel emotion and regularly using laxatives. Any of these things can cause the stools to influence more slowly through your intestines, leading to constipation.

by what means is constipation treated?

The main thing in treating constipation is to be stable you are eating enough fiber and drinking enough fluids. This helps your stools impel through your intestines by increasing the largeness of your stools and making your stools softer Increasing to what degree much you exercise also will help. Talk to your doctor if you notice any vital current in your stools, if constipation is of the present day and unusual for you, if you are constipated for three weeks or more, or if it is causing you pain.

What should I eat?

Eat enough of fiber (see the case on the next page). pair to four servings of fruits and three to five servings of vegetables a day is ideal. Add extra fiber to your diet by way of eating cereals that contain bran or by the agency of adding bran as a topping in succession your fruit or cereal.

If you are adding fiber to your diet, start slowly and gradually increase the amount. This will help decrease gas and bloating. Make stable to drink plenty of water, too.

Should I use laxatives?

Laxatives usually should be avoided. They are not meant for long-term use. Bulk-forming laxatives are OK for you, though

Bulk-forming laxatives work naturally to add dimensions and water to your stools for a like reason that they can pass more easily between the sides of your intestines. You can take bulk-forming laxatives each day. They include oat bran, psyllium (one brand: Metamucil), polycarbophil (one brand: FiberCon), and methylcellulose (one brand: Citrucel).

in what way are bulk-forming laxatives used?

You must take bulk-forming laxatives daily for the best tenor Follow the directions on the label. Start with a little bit and drink hazards of fluids. Gradually increase to what degree much bulk-forming laxative you take each three to five days (as you come by used to it) until you master the effect you want.

You can help bulk-forming laxatives taste better through mixing them with fruit juice.

Do bulk-forming laxatives have side effects?

You may notice an bloating, gas, or cramping at first, especially if you start taking too greatly or increase the amount you are using too quickly. These symptoms should go on foot away in a few weeks or less

What if I have been using laxatives for a lengthy time?

You may have to retrain your visible form [i]or[/i] frame to go without laxatives if you have been using them for a lengthy time. This means eating dooms of fiber and taking a bulk-forming laxative, drinking plenitude of water, exercising, and learning to give yourself time to have a bowel movement

If you have taken laxatives for a extended time, your doctor may move that you wean yourself facing them slowly to give your rule a chance to return to normal. It may take many month for your bowels to achieve back to normal if you have been using laxatives or enemas regularly. Talk with your doctor about any transactions you might have.

Tips forward preventing constipation

* Do not resist the entreat to have a bowel movement

* stake aside time to have a bowel motion A good time may be after breakfast or any other meal.

* Eat more fiber.

* Drink abundant of fluids--at least eight glasses a day. Fluids can include water, juices, broth tea, and other drinks.

* Do not take laxatives too often

* Exercise or persuade around more.

meats rich in fiber

* Unprocess wheat bran

* Unrefined breakfast cereals

* Whole wheat and rye flours

* Grainy breads, as it is as whole wheat, rye, or pumpernickel

* in good condition fruits

* Dried fruits, similar as prunes, apricots, and figs

* Vegetables

* Beans, like as chickpeas, baked beans, and lima beans

COPYRIGHT 2005 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group