In medical terms, constipation is defined as slowing of the intestinal transit.
Although it is a matter of joke constipation is a problem that must be taken seriously.
People have a feeling of abdominal pressure, abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea and usually patients present appetite disorders and due to the reabsorption of toxic substances from the intestines many may experience headaches, dizziness, insomnia, physical and mental fatigue.
The main factor that leads to constipation is a poor fiber diet. Due to lack of time or convenience, people consume too many refined or processed foods that lack natural fibers (sausages, canned meat, eggs, white bread, cheese, candy, ice cream).
Another common mistake is represented by inadequate hydration or intake of fluids like water because a person should drink at least two liters of fluids each day.
Drugs such as opioid painkillers (codeine) and some antihypertensives (nifedipine) can be the cause of constipation and because most cough suppressant syrups have codeine one may experience constipation while on such medications.
If you are a chocolate addict you have all chances to be constipated since the substances in cocoa have constipation as a side effect.
Supplements of calcium and iron are two of the hidden causes of constipation. The phenomenon occurs only when the intake of calcium and iron exceeds indicated doses over a period of time.
Depression and stress can lead to constipation.
In early pregnancy, but also throughout it all women have problems with slow intestinal transit. Constipation is the effect of specific hormonal mechanisms associated with the period of pregnancy.
Constipation can lead to some complications such as bleeding and anal fissures.
Also constipation increases the absorption of toxic substances which leads to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability and decreased energy.
Mild constipation can be handled only by changing your diet and lifestyle and the best way to handle constipation is correcting fluid and fiber intake and increasing physical activity.
A diet with enough fiber (20-35 g / day) helps form a normal stool. Large quantities of fibers are found in black bread, beans, cereals, raw or dried fruit, vegetables (asparagus, lettuce, cabbage, carrots and pumpkins).
Increased fluid intake when you eat fibers. You have to drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day as this potentiates the action of the fiber.
Physical activity (movement) daily, including gymnastics for the abdominal muscles should not be excluded from lifestyle of a person suffering from constipation.
The most useful measures that can help both to get rid of constipation and to reduce the unpleasant constipation symptoms immediately are those related to dieting:
Constipation is a real pain, which brings other problems, some of them very serious. For this reason constipation and its hidden causes should be kept under control.
In chronic constipation, purgative drugs and laxatives can be administered but one should first contact the doctor or pharmacist.
