Almost everyone seeks constipation remedies at some point in their lives. Constipation is a very common problem in our North American society. Individuals with constipation symptoms often complain of infrequent bowel movements, passage of very hard stools or straining during a bowel movement. People should understand that the concept of what is a regular bowel movement is quite variable. Some people go to the bathroom everyday but yet others go to the bathroom 3 times a week.
Constipation is generally a diagnosis when one goes to the bathroom less than 3 times a week and passes stools that are dry and hard. The typical constipation symptoms include excessive straining during a bowel movement, a sensation of partial evacuation after a bowel motion or when someone requires manual measures (use of finger) to empty the bowels.
Constipation occurs due to many reasons including:
- inadequate fluid intake
- inadequate intake of fiber
- poor attention to bowel habits
- sedentary life style
- prolonged travel
- pregnancy
- illness
- long term use of laxatives
- disorders like diabetes, hypothyroidism and Parkinson’s disease
- problems with the colon such as diverticulosis
- use of medications to treat high blood pressure
- Injuries to the spinal cord.
In children constipation may be due to congenital disorders where the nerves which stimulate the bowel are absent or one may have a fear of using the toilet.
Constipation, when it is prolonged can result in hemorrhoids, impaction of stools, falling out of the rectum (rectal prolapse) or a lazy bowel. Most cases of constipation require no extensive investigations but long term cases may need x rays or other tests to visualize the colon.
For the most part, colon constipation cure can be achieved with simple changes in life style. The most important constipation remedies include addition of fiber to diet and hydration. High fiber diets include fruits and many vegetables. Foods like cheese, meat and processed foods contain very little fiber. Exercise is an important part of treatment and when done regularly helps to stimulate bowels. Fluid intake is a must in order to change the quality of stools.
When the above conservative methods fail, one may need to use a short course of laxatives. There are many types of laxatives which include stimulants, lubricants, stool softeners, fiber supplements, saline laxatives and osmotic. Moreover, there are also some novel potent drugs like prucalopride which are used to treat severe cases of constipation. Laxatives only offer colon constipation cure which is of short term duration.
Other alternative methods that have been touted for chronic constipation relief include massage, acupuncture, detoxification, colonic enemas and use of herbal laxatives. The best way to achieve chronic constipation relief is to avoid it in the first place. Experts recommend eating a high fiber diet, drink lots of fluid, exercising regularly and heeding nature’s call. Too much dependence on constipation remedies can cause the colon to completely cease working.