CONSTIPATION
DEALING WITH
constipation
H
ave you noticed a recent
change in your bathroom
habits? Have you been having
fewer bowel movements than
usual? Do you have to strain to
go? These are all signs of constipation, a
common digestive health problem.
When bowel movements become
difficult or less frequent
constipation occurs. This is,
generally, when a person
has two or fewer bowel
movements per week.
As food passes
through the large
intestine, water is
absorbed and food
waste products form
into stool. Muscle
contractions move
stools through the
colon to the rectum,
where they are
passed as feces.
When this process
slows down, stools
become dry and hard
to pass, causing
constipation.
Common culprits
include a low-fibre or
high-fat diet, lack of
exercise, and not
drinking enough fluids.
Certain medications,
not going when you
feel the urge,
laxative abuse, and
pregnancy can
also lead to
constipation.
Common causes of constipation include:
• Inadequate water intake
• Inadequate fibre in the diet
• A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling
• Inadequate activity or exercise or
immobility
• Eating large amounts of dairy
products
• Stress
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• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement,
which is sometimes the result of pain from
hemorrhoids
• Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which,
over time, weaken the bowel muscles
• Hypothyroidism
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's
disease or multiple sclerosis
• Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
• Medicines (especially strong
pain medicines, such as
narcotics, antidepressants, or
iron pills)
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Pregnancy
• Colon cancer