Almost everybody, at one point or another, has experienced constipation. There are many causes for a person to be constipated, and it is not only because of dietary choices. Doctors also recommend that having enough physical activity helps in dealing with constipation.
By definition, constipation is difficulty in defecating or in bowel movement. The condition can be caused by the lack of water in the diet, or the lack of fiber in the foods being eaten. Since water serves as solvent and even a lubricant for food during digestion, it should be taken in at copious amounts everyday. It is actually correct that at least 8 glasses of water should be drunk on a daily basis. Aside from that, fiber helps in facilitating smoother digestion. It can be found in grains, vegetables, and fruits.
A person can be constipated when his stool becomes hardened. This is caused by the lack of water in the diet, as mentioned earlier. Also, if bowel movement is infrequent, such as less than thrice a week, it means constipation is present. Other conditions may occur in constipated persons, which makes it all the more difficult to defecate. Hemorrhoids are an example.
Sources claim that some of the minerals taken in by the body lead to constipation. This can be from dietary supplements, multivitamins, or certain types of prescription drugs. Magnesium, iron, and calcium, have been linked to increasing the possibility of constipation in some persons. Calcium is one such mineral that is closely being observed.
A lot of people take in calcium to prevent bone loss or osteoporosis. However, there have been reports of people who taken in calcium, but experience constipation at the same time. Though this is true for many cases, it is not generally a trend. There is no known link between calcium and constipation, only in the ability of the body to absorb nutrients. As a solution, calcium citrate as supplements may be taken in place of calcium carbonate, so the possibility of getting constipated is less.
Aside from changing your calcium intake, you may need to do more exercise daily, and always remember to have fiber and fluids in your diet.
Constipation Tip #1
Watch your Diet. Constipation is often caused by people's diets. This is not to say you must eat healthy all the time, but instead to make sure you are getting plenty of water into your body as well as eating fruit and green vegetables to help clean out your insides.
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Constipation Tip #2
Don't Forget about the Fiber. The human body needs the fiber that comes from grain products to help digest and allow your body to have natural bowel movements. Often time's constipation is caused by a lack of fiber in the body. Fiber pills or powder can be taken as a supplement if needed.
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ConstipationTip #3
If you are having trouble going number 2, then you can try some basic stretching to loosen up the bowels. First you can twist side to side, this triggers the energy points in your intestines and will get things moving. Next you can squat down for a few minutes to stretch out your colon and help get things moving. Sounds funny, but it works.
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