Constipation
August 22nd, 2009
The medical definition of constipation is having fewer than three bowel movements a week, and severe constipation is when there is less than one bowel movement a week. If you have sudden onset constipation or if there is accompanying abdominal pain, cramp, nausea, vomiting or rectal bleeding it is essential to see a doctor immeditately as there could be a blockage in the digestive system which could be caused by a tumor of the colon or by fecal impaction, where a stool has hardenend in the rectum and has caused a blockage.
If your constipation alternates with diarrhea then you could have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) when your bowel is not functioning properly.
The number of bowel movements that is considered normal is between three and twenty one per week. Though there are those people who say you should have one bowel movement for every time you eat a meal, so for most people three per day.
Constipation may be infrequent stools, hard small stools, difficulty in passing stools (having to strain to pass a stool) or even just the sense of incomplete emptying. If you feel this is your condition you could benefit from colon cleansing. All colon cleansers contain ingredients to make passing stools easier and will clear your digestive system and start you on the path to regularity.
After you have done your colon cleanse you need to evaluate your diet. You need to increase your fibre intake by eating more fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and wholegrains. For some people even eating a lot of these is not enough and you will have to add a fiber supplement to your diet. Fiber combines with water inside your intestine and bulks up the stool making it soft and easier to pass.
Additional fibre supplements that you could add to your diet are psyllium husks contained in products such as Metamucil or Konsyl. A synthetic methyl cellulose such as Citrucel or a polycarbophil such as Equilactin or Konsyl Fiber.
The main thing is to find a fibre supplement that works for you. Start by adding a small amount to your diet, in a bowl of cereal or soup, and gradually add more until your bowel movements are easy and regular.
Read more about Constipation:
Using Food to Relieve Constipation
There are endless varieties of foods that can lead to constipation. Anyone experiencing this problem can attest to the embarrassment and discomfort that it causes. Are there foods that can provide relief?
Best food for constipation | Foods that cure constipation
Being constipation is certainly the most uncomfortable, especially if you expect to spend a limited time in the bathroom if you are in a work situation. H fef owever, if we are at home and constipation, although still uncomfortable.
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Posted in General | 
Tags: bowel, constipation, diarrhea, fibre, IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, movements, rectal bleeding
