As food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water to form
the stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the
rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solidified as most of
the water has been absorbed. The common causes of constipation
include: not enough fiber in diet, not enough liquids, lack of exercise,
medications, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, older age, and
travel, abuse of laxatives, ignoring the urge to have a bowel
movement, specific diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus,
problems with the colon, rectum or with intestinal function (Chronic
idiopathic constipation).
When you feel that you have constipation, you should consult your
doctor to check if the constipation is related to any physiological
problems, e.g. irritable bowel syndrome.
In general, dietary and lifestyle changes help relieve symptoms and
help prevent constipation. A diet with enough fiber helps to form soft,
bulky stool. High-fiber foods include beans, whole grains and bran
cereals, fresh fruits and most vegetables. In some cases, limiting
low-fiber foods such as ice cream, cheese, meat, and processed
foods may be needed. Drinking enough water, vegetable juices or
clear soup, engaging in daily exercise, and reserving enough time to
have a bowel movement can help treat and prevent constipation.
Establishment of bowel habit is also important to prevent constipation.
In case, you need to use laxatives for constipation, you should consult
your doctor to select one best for you. In case, the cause is related to
physiological conditions, you may receive special treatments.
Additional Resources for Constipation
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 17864
Milwaukee WI 53217
(414) 964-1799
Intestinal Disease Foundation
1323 Forbes Avenue, Suite 200
Pittsburgh PA 15219
(412) 261-5888
The information in this article does not substitute for advice or
information provided by your physician. In addition, please
consult your physician for further information.
Constipation - Causes and
Treatments
Constipation is passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements. The symptoms of
constipation include difficult bowel movement, feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish. In
most cases, constipation is temporary. The causes for constipation are mainly poor diet and
lack of exercise.