Q&A about Constipation

Though it may be embarrassing to talk about, bowel movements are a part of life. Everyone on the planet produces feces. The problem is that many people do not want to talk about it when something goes wrong. Constipation is something that everyone will face sometime in their lives. And there are many products constantly being advertised to regulate the digestive system. Even some celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis are lending their image to products that will balance out the process. While a cup of yogurt may work for some, for others it requires medical intervention. A good diet is the start but even then things can still get backed up. Being constipated can make every moment of the day miserable. You desperately want to go to the bathroom but nothing happens. You feel bloated and very uncomfortable. You need answers and some helpful advice but feel embarrassed to talk about it to friends and family. This article may be able to help you get your questions answered and hopefully bring you some relief.

What is constipation?

As you know when you digest food or liquid your body pulls the nutrients from it that it needs. The rest is left as waste products. The liquid is filtered through your kidneys and comes out your bladder in the form of urine. The solid material is sent through as feces. Everyone has to get rid of the waste products in their body. For many people this is not a problem. They go to the bathroom regularly and have consistent bowel movements. But when those bowel movements begin to slow down or stop completely for a period of time, constipation occurs. The longer your body goes without a bowel movement, the harder it can become and it becomes backed up and can cause serious medical conditions.

What are some common causes of constipation?

There are many causes for a person to be constipated. In pregnancy it is common for the mother-to-be to experience this because of the extra hormones and waste moving through her body. It could also be caused by a person’s unwillingness to go to the bathroom. Why would anyone not want to go to the bathroom? Well, if a person has hemorrhoids then the very act of defecating can cause serious pain so they want to avoid it. In reality it just makes it that much worse. A poor diet is probably the number one cause though. Your body needs fiber, vegetables, fruit and plenty of fluids to pass waste through the bowels. When you are not getting enough of these then the waste can become hard and be difficult to pass. There are also some diseases and mental afflictions that can cause someone to be constipated. Depression, Parkinson’s disease and even multiple sclerosis can all cause a person to be constipated.

Are there ways to prevent constipation?

Yes there are ways to prevent constipation and unless there is a medical condition as the underlying cause, chances are you use these preventative measures each day. You should make sure you have plenty of fruit, vegetables and fiber in your diet daily. You should also make sure you are drinking enough. You should also try to limit your intake of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages since these have a diuretic effect and can make your stools harder. You also need to exercise regularly and always go to the bathroom when you have the urge rather than hold it.

Are animals affected by constipation?

Animals can be just as affected by constipation as humans are. But their constipation is usually attributed to a change in diet or an illness. Animals seem to be born with the ability to know exactly what type of food they need for their bodies. That is something that mankind has seem to have forgotten. Just take a look at the typical teenager’s diet. It is filled with soda, sugar and fatty carbohydrates that run the body down. If you notice that your pet is not going to the bathroom regularly or is straining, you may want to take it to the vet’s office.

Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treatment for anxiety attacks as well as tips on the various anxiety disorder medication available at anxietydisordercure.com.