The most common and recognizable sign of constipation involves dry, hard feces that are difficult or impossible to eliminate for three or more days. People who are constipated may go to the bathroom as little as one or two times a week. Inadequate fiber and fluid intake and not getting enough exercise are the main reasons people get constipated. Metabolic disorders, such as an under active thyroid gland, endocrine problems such as diabetes, and neurological illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, are all known constipation cause. Children who are toilet-trained sometimes develop constipation. Other types of stress can bring on the problem, too. People 65 years of age and older account for the vast majority of doctor visits for constipation.
Dietary fiber passes through the intestines without getting digested; it adds bulk to the stool, which stimulates peristalsis. Stool softeners and mineral oil are not the best choices for chronic constipation. Slowed movement to the content through the lower intestine allows extra time for the bowel to remove water from wastes, making stools hard, dry, and more difficult to pass. Your doctor may also recommend that you keep a diary for several weeks in which you record your colon habits, food intake, exercise, and any other factors that may affect bowel function. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water every day and go to the bathroom when you feel the urge.
To determine what is causing your constipation, your doctor will start with a medical history and physical exam. Overuse of laxatives can impair normal bowel function. Drinking more water usually relieves constipation. Self-administered enemas can be done every few days to relieve constipation. Healthy bowels should eliminate wastes at least once a day. Overuse of laxatives can impair normal bowel function. Several herbs are thought to help relieve constipation by both softening the stool and stimulating contractions in the colon. Laxatives or enemas may be recommended for a short period of time (no longer than a week).
While the effects of constipation may seem overwhelming, relief is available and it's fairly simple to obtain. Constipation relief and remedies will eliminate the harmful toxins and create an easier environment for the colon to continue functioning at its peak. When a bowel movement is healthy, it should be moist and fairly easy to eliminate. Herbal colon cleansers are typically safe enough to use everyday and help keep enough fiber in the diet so as to prevent constipation in the future. The next best thing to relieve constipation is to use some type of herbal colon cleanser.