Constipation means different things to different people. You may have constipation if you have three or fewer bowel movements in a week, or if the stool is hard, dry and difficult to expel. Some people with constipation lack energy and feel full or swollen.

Some people believe they are constipated if they have had at least one bowel movement per day. However, bowel habits are different for each person. The foods you eat, how much exercise, and other factors can affect your bowel habits.

From time to time, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and not serious. When you understand what causes constipation, you can take steps to prevent it.

What are its causes?

In most cases, is due to poor diet low in vegetable fiber and liquid and stressed and sedentary life.

In another large number of cases, is caused by the suppression of defecation reflex.

Other possible causes are:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Intestinal inflammation
• Colon tumors
• Abnormalities in the structure
• Physical inactivity
• Altered thyroid
• Mental or neural
• Pregnancy
• Medications such as iron, analgesics and antidepressants
• Renal failure
• Depression

It is also important to note that people with damage to the spine, this disorder usually occurs in the evacuation due to injury sustained in the nerves that control bowel movements. The same happens with Hirsch sprung disease, which prevents excretion normal stool, as there are no nerves inside the intestines.

Another type of constipation, occasional and unimportant, which is what occurs when the habits of daily life or routine are modified by dietary changes or prolonged bed rest (one trip, vacation).
Once the person returns to his normal life to normal bowel movements.

Symptoms of constipation:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Bad taste
• Discomfort during bowel movements, bleeding and possible cracks.

What I can do about constipation?

You can take several measures to prevent and relieve constipation.

1. Eat more fiber.

Fiber helps form soft, bulky stool. Is found in many vegetables, fruits and grains. Be sure to add fiber to your diet a little at a time, so that your body used to it. Limit foods that contain little or no fiber such as pizza, ice cream, cheese, meat, snacks like potato chips and processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes or frozen prepared foods. The following table shows some foods rich in fiber.

2. Drink plenty of water and other liquids such as fruit juices and vegetable juices and broths.

Liquids have little effect on the formation of stools, however, drink plenty of fluids is important because dehydration can cause constipation. Avoid drinking liquids with caffeine or alcohol if you feel thirsty or dehydrated.

3. Exercise regularly.

Regular exercise helps your digestive system stay active and healthy. Exercising 20 to 30 minutes every day may help.

4. Use laxatives only if your doctor tells you to do so.

Laxatives are medicines that will help you evacuate. Most people who are mildly constipated do not need laxatives. However, if you are doing everything and you are still constipated, your doctor may recommend laxatives for a limited time. Your doctor will tell you the best type of laxative for you. Laxatives come in different forms: liquid, chewing gum and lozenges, for example.

You may be interested in reading Home Remedies for Constipation and Constipation Remedies. Also read more Constipation Natural Remedies

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