Health Issues Linked to Constipation
Description:
Constipation is a condition in which a person has uncomfortable or
infrequent bowel movements. The stools are often hard and difficult to
pass, and there is a feeling as if the rectum has not been completely
emptied. The frequency of bowel movements does not necessarily
translate to a constipation diagnosis, as not everyone's bowels move
the same. However, you may be constipated if you have less than three
bowel movements a week and experience a change in the frequency of
bowel movements, along with a change in the color or texture of the
stools.
Constipation may be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, and loss
of appetite. In addition, you may develop hemorrhoids (because of
increased blood pressure) or increase your risk for diverticular
disease because of the increased pressure on the walls of the large
intestine. Fecal impaction is also a factor of constipation, which is
where the stool in the last part of the large intestine blocks the
passage. This condition is accompanied by cramps, rectal pain, and an
inability to eliminate the stools. Fecal impaction is more common in
the elderly and pregnant women.
Although most people cannot pinpoint an exact cause of constipation,
it may be a result of another underlying problem. A lack of fiber and
fluids in the diet is probably the most common cause in the United
States. Constipation can also be caused from disordered colonic transit
or anorectal function as a result of a primary motility disturbance,
certain drugs, or in association with a large number of systemic
diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Other disorders, such
as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, metabolic disorders
(diabetes), or endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism) may also be factors
in the cause of constipation.
-- Causes of Constipation --
- Diet; Highly refined and low-fiber foods (most common cause); Inadequate fluid intake.
- Physical inactivit; Inadequate exercise; Prolonged bed rest.
- Pregnancy.
- Advanced Age.
- Drugs;
Anesthetics; Antacids (aluminum and calcium salts); Anticholinergics
(bethanechol, carbachol, pilocarpine, physostigmine, ambenonium);
Anticonvulsants; Antidepressants (tricyclics, monoamine oxidase
inhibitors); Antihypetensives; Antii-Parkinsonism drugs; Antipsychotics
(phenothiazines); Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (proprandolo);
Bismuth salts; Diuretics; Iron salts; Laxitives and catharatics
(chronic use); Muscle relaxants; Opiates.
- Metabolic abnormalities; Low potassium stores; Diabetes; Kidney disease.
- Endoctrine abnormalities; Low thyroid function; Elevated calcium levels; Pituitary disorders.
- Structural abnormalities; Abnormalities in the structure or anatomy of the bowel.
- Bowel diseases; Diverticulosis; Irritable bowel syndrome (alternating diarrhea and constipation); Tumor.
- Neurogenic
abnormalities; Nerve disorders of the bowel (aganglionosis, autonomic
neuropathy); Spinal cord disorders (trauma, multiple sclerosis, tabes
dorsalis).
-- The Nutritional Approach --
Foods that have been proven to help with Constipation:
Foods high in fiber (fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains),
increase water intake. Fermented foods like kim chee, miso soup, and
fresh sauerkraut.
Nutrients that have been proven to help with Constipation:
Flaxseeds, Fiber, Aloe Vera, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics.
Exercises that have been proven to help with Constipation:
Moderate exercise helps you to avoid and to relieve constipation.
It's generally recommended that you exercise at least three times a
week, steadily for 20 to 30 minutes, or enough to raise your heart rate. |
