How to Stop Constipation in its Tracks
Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements are poorly timed and infrequent, inadequate, being hard and small, or is difficult to pass.
The term means different things to different people. Some feel they need several stools a day, while others are content with one every few days. When the individual pattern of evacuation is less frequent than usual, becomes harder, and passes with greater difficulty, the person is constipated.
While a number of factors may result in constipation, without a doubt the most common is simply ignoring the urge to defecate. Generally, the urge is strongest on arising or soon after breakfast, but people may find this an inconvenient time and suppress the urge. Suppressed repeatedly, the natural desire declines and eventually is lost.
Other causes include an inadequate intake of water, lack of physical exercise, a decreased intake of food, a diet low in fiber or roughage, emotional tension, and confinement in bed. Still other reasons, some more serious, consist of fear of pain, hypothyroidism, the use or stricture of the bowel.
Things you can do to fight constipation.
When it comes to dealing with people with constipation in my line of work, I would say that this is the easiest to deal with.
Try to determine which cause fits your situation and then take corrective action. Establish a specific time for going to stool and do not be rushed. Drink plenty of water, eat a diet high in fiber, and exercise regularly and check your medications. Taking laxatives regularly may establish a laxative habit. It would also be beneficial if you stay away from beef for at least a week. Lean chicken and fish is ok, but not too much. Eating a vegetarian diet is by far the best cure for constipation. Try eating 100% whole wheat bread instead of white bread. Try brown rice instead of white rice, and the list can go on. I hope that by now you get the picture that constipation is one of the easiest things to overcome. Just change your diet to incorporate more fiber.
I helped a person who was not able to go for days at a time. He was very concerned that it would become a problem in the end, which it could lead to colon cancer. I told him to eat a bowl of Kellogg’s Raisin Bran every morning – within a week he was now going every morning after his bowl of Raisin Bran.
