Stop Suffering From Constipation
For the purposes of this article we’ll discuss constipation that is not being caused by physical damage or an obstruction in the colon. This type of constipation requires further diagnosis and medical attention from your doctor.
The vast majority of constipation problems that people suffer from is directly related to their diet/eating habits. There are any number of described conditions and definitions of constipation, but the bottom line is that fecal matter is remaining in the colon too long and is becoming dry and hardened. When this happens, the movement of the fecal matter slows and becomes difficult for the body to pass the matter along the intestinal track.
Constipation is a symptom or a result of something happening. In this case, the colon is unable to work properly. The symptom of constipation should be letting you know that something is amiss with your digestion; and more often than not - what is amiss is something in your diet. Improper diet is by far the leading cause of constipation.
More specifically as it relates to diet is not enough fiber and/or insufficient fluid intake. Also, an inactive lifestyle with little exercise can also be a contributing factor in unhealthy digestive performance resulting in becoming constipated.
Let’s take a look at some dietary aspects that you can use to keep your colon functioning properly and you constipation free.
Fiber is the primary key. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are on the positive side of the ledger; fatty foods and sugars are on the negative side. Most of us don’t nearly get enough fiber in our diet as we should. You see fiber streams right through the digestive process without being absorbed by the body. Fiber will actually absorb water which will keep the stool moist and easy for your colon to move it along and eventually pass. A diet too low in fiber lacks this absorption attribute and as such the intestines naturally draw water out and dry out the stool making it hard and difficult to move forward.
Certainly closely related to fiber and the retention of moisture in fecal matter is the fluid intake itself as a big part of your diet. The importance of fluid intake cannot be understated. Your body depends on fluids to help flush the body in an efficient manner. Be advised that consuming fluids via coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, and alcohol, don’t count. In fact, these types of drinks only act to dehydrate rather than hydrate your system.
Keep your digestive system tuned also results by keeping your body tuned exercise. Among the many other benefits to your body, regular exercise help keep you regular by keeping your metabolism rate up.
Occasional constipation in and of itself is not physically dangerous to you. However, constant or chronic constipation can be; and can be the signs of something more serious that changing your diet will not help.
Pay close attention to your symptoms and what your body is trying to tell you. If diet and exercise don’t improve your conditions, you should set an appointment with your physician to discuss.
For more important information on stomach pain be sure to visit a-stomach-pain.com where you will find advice and tips on common stomach pain causes such as constipation, ulcers, and other articles that you can view at http://www.a-stomach-pain.com
Tags: acid reflux, Chohns disease, constipation, iritable bowel syndrome, stomach pain, stomach ulcerConstipation A Rock-Hard Problem
Constipation, also known as irregularity, is a condition of the digestive system in which stools are hard and are difficult to pass.
In some cases, constipation may be quite painful, and in severe cases the hardened stool or feces, can be nearly impossible to pass resulting in a fecal impaction. There is often a decreased urge to have a bowel movement. If it occurs frequently, constipation can lead to hemorrhoids because of the straining associated with passing a hard stool.
What is a normal amount of bowel movements I should have each week? This common question is one asked to family physicians and gastroenterologist daily.
Family Practice Physicians and Gastroenterologist, physicians specializing in the practice of diseases dealing with the stomach and intestines, both explain that the normal amount of bowel movements each week depends solely on what is normal for you.
The frequency of one’s bowel movements depends on a variety of factors, including, diet, exercise and fluid intake. Poor diet seems to be primary cause of constipation most often. Even though constipation is routinely defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, it is important to remember that some people may have less and yet have no symptoms of constipation.
Constipation is a frequent complaint of patients visiting their physician.
It seemingly is most often reported by women and senior adults, over the age of 65. It is also often reported by pregnant women. However, when you realize the most often determined cause of constipation is dietary then it is also easy to realize that constipation can be fairly easily remedied.
Dietary changes are often some of the easiest lifestyle changes to implement in order to find relief from constipation.
One of the easiest dietary changes to make includes increasing dietary fiber so that daily intake equals 20-35 grams of fiber per day. Foods high in dietary fiber include beans, fresh fruits, whole grains, bran cereals and fresh vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
Avoid foods with little or no dietary fiber is also important. These foods include things like processed foods and meats.
Constipation might be a common problem but it is certainly not one that you have to live with. Talk with your physician in order to determine the cause of your constipation and your best course treatment.
For more important information on stomach pain visit a-stomach-pain.com where you’ll find advice on common stomach pain causes such as constipation, ulcers, and more.
Tags: acid reflux, Chohns disease, constipation, iritable bowel syndrome, stomach pain, stomach ulcerStomach Ulcer Basics
Affecting millions of Americans each year, a stomach ulcer is a raw, open area in the normal lining of the stomach. Stomach ulcers get their particular name depending on the exact location of the ulcer. For example, a duodenal or peptic ulcer is a stomach ulcer found in the first foot of small intestines past the stomach. A gastric ulcer in located inside the stomach itself. Although duodenal or peptic ulcers are almost always benign, it is important to remember that gastric or stomach ulcers can be malignant. Close medical management is critical.
A protective layer of mucus producing cells prevent the stomach from being destroyed by normal digestive juices and stomach acids. However, when there is a break in that protective layer trouble can occur. A stomach ulcer occurs when the gastric or intestinal mucosal lining of the stomach is destroyed by hydrochloric acid, an acid which is normally present in the digestive juices of the stomach.
Another cause of ulcers, particularly gastric and duodenal ulcers, can be a bacterial infection known as Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori. The helicobacter pylori bacterium may be transmitted from person to person through contaminated food and water and is treated with antibiotics.
One of the major symptoms of a stomach ulcer is pain, more specifically pain that feels much like a gnawing or burning pain in the middle upper abdomen often occurring some two to three hours after a meal. Often this pain is mistaken for heartburn or even hunger. Pain from a stomach ulcer may awaken you at night and may be relieved with food or milk.
Stomach ulcers are treated with prescription strength medications designed to reduce stomach acid, to protect the stomach lining and to treat the H. pylori bacteria, if it is present.
There are several medications that are commonly used to treat stomach ulcers. If the intent is to reduce stomach acid, then your physician may prescribe medications such as H2-Receptor antagonists like Nizatidine (Axid
Tags: acid reflux, Chohns disease, constipation, iritable bowel syndrome, stomach pain, stomach ulcer
