Not only are there magnified fears about what might be causing the problem, the discomfort of chronic constipation itself can be debilitating. Constipation may slow your performance at work and even cause you to miss recreational activities. That's why it's important to know the facts about chronic constipation and talk to your doctor about your personal situation.
CAUSES
After you eat, food moves through your digestive tract. The intestines take water and nutrients from the food. Normally, the process continues until a stool is formed. Squeezing contractions in the intestine then pass the stool out of the body.Because constipation is often linked with hard stools, one theory is that too much water is absorbed from the stool, leaving it dry and hard.
Another theory is that abnormal hormonal responses to the ingested water may trigger chronic constipation. More research is necessary to better understand how constipation happens and to unravel the mysterious link between the gut, hormones, and the brain.
Moreover, eating low-fibre diets and foods with low fluid content is a contributing factor
Keys to Relieving Chronic Constipation
Relieving chronic constipation takes a multifaceted, lifestyle approach:
1. Get Regular
Go to the bathroom at the same time each morning. Make this your morning "habit," as colonic motor activity is highest at this time.
2. Listen to Your Body
Don't ignore the urge to go. Peristalsis of the bowel -- the movements that trigger a bowel movement -- come and go. If you ignore this urge, you may lose the opportunity. The longer stool stays in the bowel, the harder it gets as more water is reabsorbed, and the more difficult it is to expel. The urge to defecate also increases after mealtime, so take advantage of your body's signals.
3. Relax
Because stress can interfere with relaxation of the whole body, including the bowels, it's important to use some type of relaxation technique daily. A survey conducted in the U.S. revealed that many patients cannot push properly because they are too rushed and stressed.
4. Increase Fluids
Drink plenty of liquids. It's recommended that you drink at least eight glasses of liquid (preferably water) each day. Drink more on hot days and when you are exercising.
5. Bulk Up Your Diet
Dietary fiber and bulk fiber laxatives such as psyllium or methylcelluose -- taken with plenty of fluids -- work well for relieving chronic constipation. Wheat bran is believed the most effective fiber in relieving chronic constipation. Wheat bran adds bulk to the stool and increases the rate of movement of the stool through the bowel.
6. Talk to Your Doctor About Medications
Medications and laxatives can help relieve constipation, but they must be taken carefully and for short periods of time. Consult with your doctor before taking any medication.
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