Constipation
DEFINITION
Constipation is a condition which involves difficulty in
passing stools or the infrequent passage of hard, dry stools.
passing stools or the infrequent passage of hard, dry stools.
DESCRIPTION
Proper elimination is important as the bowel is a source of
many toxins. The waste matter can accumulate in the bowel and
become dry and moving of the bowels becomes harder and harder.
Other symptoms can accompany Constipation. These include bloating,
nausea, indigestion, bad breath, haemorrhoids, headaches, skin
problems, flatulence and intestinal disease (e.g., diverticulitis,
bowel cancer). A healthy colon should eliminate waste in 6 to 18
hours. However, the frequency of bowel movements varies greatly
between individuals and it is hard to determine what is
normal.
many toxins. The waste matter can accumulate in the bowel and
become dry and moving of the bowels becomes harder and harder.
Other symptoms can accompany Constipation. These include bloating,
nausea, indigestion, bad breath, haemorrhoids, headaches, skin
problems, flatulence and intestinal disease (e.g., diverticulitis,
bowel cancer). A healthy colon should eliminate waste in 6 to 18
hours. However, the frequency of bowel movements varies greatly
between individuals and it is hard to determine what is
normal.
CAUSE
Constipation can be caused by:
- Improper diet. A highly refined and processed, high sugar, high
fat, low-fibre and low fluid diet causes constipation. - Physical inactivity (inadequate exercise, prolonged bed
rest). - Pregnancy.
- Certain drugs and medications (opiate analgesics, the pill,
antidepressants, iron pills, antacids, diuretics and
antibiotics). - Bowel disease ( diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome,
tumour ). - Nervous disorders.
- Food allergies.
- Long term use of laxatives.
- Intestinal parasites.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment. See your Doctor for a medical
examination.If the all clear is given, dietary habits may need
changing. Increase fluids as much as possible. Do not ignore or
suppress the urge to move the bowels.
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment. See your Doctor for a medical
examination.If the all clear is given, dietary habits may need
changing. Increase fluids as much as possible. Do not ignore or
suppress the urge to move the bowels.
Constipation is usually relieved by increasing the intake of
dietary fibre. Laxatives should generally be avoided except where
straining will make worse a condition already present (such as
angina) or increase the risk of rectal bleeding as in haemorrhoids.
Laxatives may be useful in drug-induced Constipation.
dietary fibre. Laxatives should generally be avoided except where
straining will make worse a condition already present (such as
angina) or increase the risk of rectal bleeding as in haemorrhoids.
Laxatives may be useful in drug-induced Constipation.
DIET HINTS
- Changing to a high fibre diet is the primary health management
strategy for Constipation. Increasing consumption of water is
imporant when adding fiber to the diet. Drink at least 8 to10
glasses of water daily. - Increase water-soluble fibres. These include fresh, raw fruits
and vegetables, wholemeal and wholegrain bread and cereals, apples,
pears, psyllium, legumes (baked beans, 3 bean mix etc.) - The diet should be low in fats which slow the passage of food
through your digestive system, low in refined and processed foods.
Try to change packaged foods to whole natural foods. - Caffeine causes dehydration.
- Take time to eat slowly and chew food well.
- Include foods that have natural laxative properties such as
figs, prunes, apricots and rhubarb. - Linseed oil taken daily may help the passing of waste through
the bowel. One teaspoon twice daily is recommended. - papayas and lemons have a stimulating effect on the bowel.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
- Acidophilus can aid with digestion and elimination.
- Flaxseed Oil can lubricate the colon and make an easier passage
for bowel movements. - Cascara is a herb which can be beneficial in the treatment of
constipation due to its stimulating laxative action. This herb
should only be taken short term and not be used as a long-term
solution. - Aloe vera is thought to be a stimulating laxative which has an
anti-inflammatory action and can encourage soft stools. - Magnesium may assist relief of constipation as it can
improve gut motility and retain water in the colon. - Psyllium is a bulk forming laxative which can be useful in
treating constipation. NOTE- Psyllium fibre should always be taken
with a large glass of water.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints.
- First thing in the morning, drink a glass of warm water with a
little lemon juice added. - Avoid stress in your daily life as much as possible because
this may lead to Constipation. It is known that for some people the
bowel action can easily be upset if the people are not
relaxed. - Have regular exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Try to develop a regular time pattern when using the
toilet. - Your Pharmacist may suggest a suitable laxative if it is
needed. Remember that over use and reliance on commercial laxatives
may cause a ‘lazy’ bowel. This can make the Constipation worse in
the long run. Products may be inserted anally to help relieve
Constipation e.g glycerin suppositories. Ask your Pharmacist for
advice. - Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water (filtered) a day as water helps
with elimination of waste matter. Filtered water has less bacteria
than tap water. - To help in cases of Constipation sugar-free fibre supplements
are available which form bulk in the digestive system. Combination
products are available that two products, a soluble fibre psyllium
and and an insoluble fibre. - If the diet is inadequate, consider the nutritional supplements
suggested in this topic.