Constipation results from the accumulation of faeces in the large intestine. The longer they remain, the more water is extracted and the harder they become. This accumulation may be caused by a reduction in the rhythmic bowel contractions that normally push food through the system or by a bowel obstruction. It may be associated with pregnancy, an under active thyroid gland, irritable bowel syndrome and depression, as well as the use of painkillers and a diet that is low in fiber. In children, it may be caused by emotional disorders. The elderly are more prone to constipation because they tend to eat smaller quantities of less bulky foods, and exercise less.
Symptoms of constipation include pain on defecation and a feeling that the bowel has not been completely emptied. Persistent constipation in older people may indicate a growth in the large bowel, especially if this is accompanied by pain and bleeding. In the case of children, it may be due to a congenital malformation of the bowel. Sudden constipation together with pain and distension of the abdomen indicates an obstruction in the bowel and requires emergency treatment. All constipation benefits from an increased intake of fiber and fluids. Laxatives may also provide occasional relief although they should not be used regularly. There are three types: - Stimulants, which affect the muscular movements of the bowel and spend up the passage of the faeces. These may lead to cramps. - Fluid retainers, which draw water back into the faeces. - Suppositories stimulate the bowel quickly, while enemas will wash out the contents of the bowel. In 1990, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported on a man who on his doctor's advice ate a bowl of bran every morning to relieve constipation. Ten days later he had to undergo major surgery for the removal of a clump of bran that had completely blocked his gut. The man had been taking diuretics, and not drinking enough fluids. This unusual episode highlights the dangers of eating too much bran, the importance of having an adequate fluid intake. *Dietary measures* In most cases, constipation is largely a result of eating a diet that includes a lot of refined and processed foods and relatively small amounts of fiber and water. - Make changes in your diet and include a high fiber diet gradually so that your digestive system and your taste buds have time to adapt. Fiber is an important component of a healthy diet because it adds bulk to the stools and accelerates the progress of waste material through the digestive system. You may suffer from wind initially if your body is not used to fiber. - Gradually increase consumption of fruit, vegetables and salads. You can then move on to introduce complex carbohydrates, such as whole meal bread/grain/brown rice instead of white pasta, rice, potatoes, lentils, pulses and whole meal cereals including oats. As you get used to such a way of eating, try to base all your meals around such high fiber foods. - Rather than treating meat and breads as the main component of your meal with an odd vegetable as an accompaniment. Reverse this habit. - Fiber absorbs a lot of water as it passes through your system, so make it a point of drinking more fluid than you normally would. - Pure water, coconut water, herbal teas, juices, fruits are healthier choices than tea, coffee, colas and alcohol. - Try some traditional remedies to combat constipation by adding figs, mangoes, papaya, brown rice, guavas, grapes, bananas (avoid the over ripe ones), carrots, beet root and prunes/dried prunes. They really do work but remember to treat them as a part of a varied balanced diet rather than as the occasional 'instant fix' when your constipation is troubling you. - Constipation leads to piles, hemorrhoids and many other ailments. Hence, it should not be treated lightly. - It is important to include at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercises and pranayama to help combat constipation. Just incorporate these simple measures and you will not face the problem of constipation again. -- ~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~--- Connect your World with Us join Now - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dimpill_gang/join Affiliated group from dimpill_gang for Only Adult Mails - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fantazies/join Affiliated group from dimpill_gang for Only Health and Food Mails - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Health_and_Gourmet/join -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~
