Constipation Relief

Constipation, or straining, is a minor condition that of which the person experiences difficulty passing stools. Causes of constipation differ from one person to another, and medical treatments are often given on a case-to-case basis.

Constipation also means experiencing less bowel movement activity per week; for example, 3 bowel movements in a span of 1 week, sometimes none. In addition, this condition also has an alternating pattern with diarrhea - a seemingly distinct digestive disorder known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

What causes constipation?

By theory, constipation is caused by the slow activity of passing digested food to various parts in the intestine. Most of the time, though, this slow activity happens in the colon.

Certain medications that contribute to constipation such as:

• Antidepressants
• Narcotic pain medications
• Calcium channel blocking medications
• Anticonvulsants
• Aluminum-containing antacids
• Iron supplements

Aside from the medications listed above, there are plenty other factors that can result to constipation. For immediate constipation relief, an increase of fiber intake in the diet is proven effective; it does not interfere the person-s daily routine of taking prescribed medications which can cause constipation, so there is no need to discontinue taking them.

• Suppressing the urge to eliminate due to unavoidable circumstances (such as the absence of bathrooms) can be habit-forming. Doing this too often can make the person getting used to controlling the need for bowel movement, thus resulting to constipation.
• In order to maintain bulky, soft stool, fiber is important in our everyday diet. However, low fiber diets can result to constipation. Vegetables, whole grains, and fruits are fiber-rich foods.
• Severe constipation is also caused by frequent intake of stimulant laxatives such as castor oil, senna, and other herbs used for constipation relief.
• The linked association between overusage of laxatives and damaged muscles and nerves of the colon - a belief carried on for years by many people that this basic treatment is responsible to cause constipation.

This belief has not been scientifically proved yet. Though possible, use of laxatives as a means for constipation relief is recommended as a last resort by most experts.

Other minor conditions/illnesses that may cause constipation:

• Central nervous system diseases (Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson-s disease)
• Colonic inertia
• Colon diseases (Chagas disease, diabetes, Hirschsprung-s disease, scleroderma, and cancer)
• Hormonal disorders (hypothyroidism)
• Pelvic floor dysfunction

Natural colon cleansers: The new approach to constipation relief

There are different methods for different people seeking constipation relief. However, one good way to prevent constipation is to pay close attention to your daily diet. Fiber, on the other hand, has different sources which are readily available, and natural.

Laxatives, suppositories, and other medications for constipation are also proven effective, but the colon needs to be thoroughly cleansed. To prevent going through annoying irregularities of bowel movement over and over, natural colon cleansers are highly recommended.