Constipation: what is it, causes, prevention

In constipation, bowel emptying is difficult or less frequent than usual. Stools may be dry and hard. Emptying the bowel is often uncomfortable and even painful. Consider the causes of constipation. What is the possible prevention of such a violation in the work of the intestines?

Causes of constipation

Constipation occurs for such reasons:

• Insufficient water intake leads to a thickening of the stool, which complicates its passage through the intestine. Fecal stones can be formed from such deposits.
• Lack of fiber. It contributes to the formation and promotion of intestinal contents.
• Insufficient physical activity. With sedentary lifestyle, blood and lymph circulate more weakly, especially in the abdominal region. There are stagnation and incomplete blood supply of the intestine. His tone drops, sensitivity, peristalsis is disturbed.
• When a person tolerates and does not go to the toilet at urges, this disrupts the work of the intestines.
• Stress can negatively affect the digestive system.
• Some medications can cause constipation, so it is worth discussing with your doctor about their possible replacement.
• An excess of highly processed carbohydrates in the diet slows down intestinal peristalsis.
• Diseases that contribute to the development of constipation: overgrowth of intestinal tissue, ulcers, fissures, irritable bowel syndrome and others.
• Frequent use of laxatives causes addiction and aggravates constipation.
• Anatomical or functional peculiarities of the intestine that may affect its function.
• Traveler's constipation happens on the road or when a person arrives at a new place, visit, hotel. It is associated with stress.

Prevention of constipation

10 ways to prevent constipation:

• Drinking enough water every day helps keep the stool soft and makes it easier to pass.
• Include fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grain products in your diet.
• Engage in physical activity on a regular basis. Exercise and exercise stimulates intestinal peristalsis, which makes emptying easier. Also increases blood circulation in the abdominal region, the intestinal tissues receive enough nutrition, retain elasticity and tone. The doctor can recommend suitable exercises.
• Visit the toilet in a timely manner. Do not tolerate the urge to defecate and do not delay going to the toilet. Often this happens at a certain time. Knowing it, plan the day so that there is an opportunity to go to the toilet.
• Find relaxation techniques such as deep breathing to reduce stress levels.
• Discuss all medications taken with a doctor to find those that do not cause constipation.
• Reduce your intake of processed carbohydrates as they can contribute to constipation.
• Get regular medical checkups and manage chronic conditions.
• Use laxatives only as prescribed by a doctor and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
• If there are specific bowel problems, it is necessary to visit a doctor. He will conduct an examination, consult and prescribe treatment.

Prevention of constipation is a complex of measures. The more recommendations to apply, the less likely such a violation in the intestinal function.