Constipation is the passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week. People who are constipated may find it difficult and painful to have a bowel movement. Other symptoms of constipation include feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.
Many people think they are constipated when, in fact, their bowel movements are regular. For example, some people believe they are constipated, or irregular, if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, there is no right number of daily or weekly bowel movements. Normal may be three times a day or three times a week depending on the person. Also, some people naturally have firmer stools than others.
At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. Poor diet and lack of exercise are usually the causes. In most cases, constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief.
In most cases, eating a well-balanced, high-fiber diet that includes beans, bran, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables, drinking plenty of liquids and exercising regularly will help relieve symptoms and prevent the recurrence of constipation.
Epic4Health Note: Except for the following information on probiotcs, the material on constipation has been provided by NDDIC, (the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse). Probiotcs: If you do not have a sufficient concentration of “good” bacteria in the colon, numerous uncomfortable conditions can arise – including constipation. If that is the case, you may want to consider supplementing your diet with a quality probiotic. We have two probiotic products available: Flora Plus with Acidophilus or Gut Buddies® with a Guaranteed Two Billion viable probiotics.
For more information on these two products, “click” the product links below.
For more information on constipation, “click” the “Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Constipation” link below.