Constipation
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- Diet for constipation
- Nutritions and supplements for constipation control
- Constipation Herbal treatment
- Acupressure treatment for constipation
- Aromatherapy treatment for constipation
- Homeopathy treatment for constipation
The term constipation refers to a change in daily bowel habits, particularly a decrease in the number of consistency of bowel movements, or pain or difficulty passing stools. If you are usually regular but go two or more days without a bowel movement, and then have pain or difficulty passing a large, hard stool, you are constipated. If you have a good appetite and are not uncomfortable, there is no need to worry. However, if you lose your appetite, are vomiting, or have discomfort, you should consult a physician without delay.
Constipation is commonly caused by insufficient fluids and too little fiber in the diet. Without enough fluids and bilk, stool becomes hard and develops rough edges. These rough edges can cause a rectal fissure, a painful microscopic tear in the rectum. Too much fat in the diet may contribute to constipation, as can a lack of proper exercise.
People sometimes become constipated as a result of holding back stool. A person who is busy may be reluctant to interrupt whatever he or she is doing to have a bowel movement. When that happens, the retained stool becomes dehydrated and hard and is painful to pass.
The most important factor in determining whether you are constipated is your level of comfort when passing a stool. Even if you have a bowel movement every day, a hard-to-pass stool may indicate constipation. Other indications include abdominal discomfort and such a stomach that is unusually firm and tender to the touch.
Most cases of constipation respond to simple at-home treatments. However, if you experience severe pain when passing a stool; if there is blood in the stools; if you notice a cut or tear near your rectum; or if you develop chronic or persistent constipation, you should consult doctor. In some cases, constipation may be a sign of an internal problem, such as an intestinal obstruction. Certain serious health problems, including diverticulitis and hypothyroidism, can also cause chronic constipation. Even if unrelated to an underlying problem, chronic constipation should be taken seriously because it can lead to a loss of muscle tone in the bowel, setting the stage for a lifelong problem.
General recommendations for constipation
An Epsom salts bath is relaxing and increases circulation. Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate. An hour or two after an Epsom salts bath, a bowel movement will often occur.
Massaging the lower abdomen is comforting and helps to get things moving. Gently massage the abdomen, following the natural movement of the intestines. Start in the lower right "corner," move up toward the ribs, over to the left side, and then down toward the pelvis.
Avoid using aluminum cookware. It is possible that taking in minute traces of aluminum can exacerbate constipation.
Preventive measures for constipation
Drink plenty of spring water and other fluids, and eat a high-fiber diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Be physically active. You don't need an elaborate exercise regimen. Walking is an effective mode of exercise and most people can do it with little difficulty.
Take acidophilus and bifidus on an alternating basis for one month to maintain friendly flora in the intestines and bowels. Also take supplemental fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which supply a special form of carbohydrate that can be digested by friendly bacteria but not by yeast. Start by taking ¼ teaspoon of FOS twice a day and work up to 1 teaspoon twice a day over a period of one to two weeks.
Respond promptly to your bodily needs, even if you must excuse yourself from an important activity to do so. Holding back causes a difficult and painful bowel movement, and increases the risk that constipation will become a way of life.
- Constipation diet: It gives information and guidelines to choose your sample diet to eliminate your constipation.
- Constipation nutritions and supplements: This section provides comprehensive list of nutritional supplements for constipation.
- Herbal treatment for constipation: This section focuses on various traditional herbal treatments used to cure constipation.
- Constipation acupressure treatment: This section provides various acupressure points on the body to treat constipation.
- Constipation aromatherapy treatment: This section provides information about essential oils which are helpful to cure constipation.
- Constipation homeopathy treatment: It provides information about homeopathic medicines required for curing constipation.