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Constipation is the state of a bowel in which its movement is difficult,or the intestines become filled up with strong faeces.
Not all constipation is caused due to disease therefore, sometimes constipation can be caused due to lack of dietary fiber, physical inactivity, dehydration and medication side effects.
Symptoms of constipation include:
1.Stomach ache
2.Dry,hard or lumpy stools
3.Stools are painful to evacuate
4.Less than three bowels movement a week
5.Feeling nauseous and bloated
Causes of constipation
Constipation sometimes occurs from the blockage of the large intestine,a person would be needing medical attention in this case.
Sometimes too, constipation may be due to lack of water or fiber in food.The following are some causes of constipation;
1.Physical inactivity
Not undergoing any physical activity is one of the causes of constipation.A study conducted shows that people who regularly exercise or are physically active are less likely to experience constipation like other people.
Those that are physically inactive are those that go several weeks or months in bed or sitting on the chair have a higher risk of constipation.
2.Inadequate fiber or lack of fiber in diet
High fiber foods are fruits,nuts, wholegrains, Vegetables, chickpeas, lentils and other legumes.
Food that are poor in fiber are white bread,fast foods,cheese,meat,egg,chips and so many others.
People with a high intake of food rich in fiber are less likely to experience constipation whereas those that take food lacking in fiber are more likely to experience constipation.
Foods high in fiber enhance or promote high bowel movements.
3.Medications
Medications such as opioid pain relief drugs, calcium channel blockers,antacids that contain aluminium,antacids that contain calcium,tricyclic antidepressant,iron supplements, diuretics can increase the risk of constipation.
4.Not drinking plenty of water
Not drinking enough water is one of the causes of constipation.Drinking enough water can help reduce the risk of constipation.
It is important to note that intake of some fluids such as caffeine, sodas, alcohol and coffee can increase the risk of dehydration and eventually cause constipation for those that are prone to it.
5.Colectra problems
Some health conditions such as; cancerous tumor, inflammatory bowel disease, hernia, diverticulitis,scar tissue can affect the colon and cause restrictions or make evacuation difficult, leading to constipation.
Treatment
In most cases, constipation can be treated by making changes in your lifestyle,changes such as; regularly or adequate drinking of enough water, exercising, and eating food rich in fiber.
The treatment of constipation include:
1.Laxatives
Laxatives such as osmotics,fiber supplements, stimulants, lubricant,stool softener, neuromuscular agents should be used if making lifestyle changes has not helped.
2.Drinking enough water
Water helps to keep the body rehydrated thus it reduces the risk of constipation.
3.Intake of food rich in fiber
Fibers should be regularly taken in all meals because it prevents constipation and also enables stools to evacuate easily because it makes it soft.
4.Regular exercise
Exercising helps in the active function of the body, including the passing of stool.
5.Avoid holding stools
It is important we respond to our body's urge to pass stool because it can help to prevent constipation.
