Constipation is a situation where your bowel movements are tough or happen less often than normal. Everyone goes through it in one’s life. You all have also tried for many constipation remedies to get the constipation relief.
Usually, it’s not a serious issue, but you will feel much better when your constipation system begins to improve. The normal span of time between bowel movements varies widely from one person to another. Some have them thrice a day while others may have only once or twice a week. Not having bowel movements for three or more days can be harmful. After three days, the stool or feces generally become harder and more difficult to pass.
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Causes of constipation
Constipation usually happens when stool remains in the colon (large intestine) for a long period of time, and then the colon absorbs too much water from the stools, resulting in a hard and dry stool. Mostly, constipation isn’t caused by any specific condition and it is difficult to identify the exact cause. However, several factors do account to an increase in your chances of having constipation, including:
- Low fiber diet
Fiber assists stool to stay soft. Drinking liquids help fiber to keep stools soft. Constipation is more common in older adults due to the intake of limited dietary fiber, lack of outdoor activity, and use of medications.
- Less physical activity
If you don’t work out, perform outdoor activities, or move around regularly, then you may get constipated.
- Having other health problems
An individual suffering from a health problem, or currently had an accident may not be able to exercise regularly and may have to stay in bed most of the time because of an illness or accident. This may cause constipation.
- Medicines
Some medications prescribed by the doctors to treat other health problems may give rise to constipation and you’ll be advised to follow constipation treatments.
- Lifestyle changes or daily routine changes
The most common reason for constipation is a change of routine. Regular changes in day to day routine can affect your bowel habits. A change of routine such as being on holiday with a totally different environment can cause constipation.
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, over time, may result in not feeling the need to have one. You may delay passing stool because you might not want to use toilets outside of your home, or do not have access to a toilet. This habit can account for constipation.
- Certain health problems
Some health problems can cause stool to move more slowly through the colon, rectum or anus, thereby causing constipation. These health problems generally include:
- Spinal cord or brain injuries
- Disorders that have an effect on your brain and spine, such as Parkinson’s disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Gastrointestinal (GI) tract problems
Problems in your GI tract that tends to compress or narrow your colon and rectum can lead to constipation. These problems occur due to any of the following:
- Tumors
- Inflammation or inflammatory bowel disease
- Swelling, such as diverticulitis
- Dehydration
Same as a toilet, our internal flushing system requires sufficient water to function properly. So dehydration plays a vital role in causing constipation.
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- Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases can cause trouble to many different systems in your body; they can result in abnormal neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s, and multiple-system conditions such as Lupus. All of these diseases may, in turn, contribute to constipation.
The good news is that constipation cure is possible. There are several natural remedies for constipation that can be followed to get instant relief.