Choosing A Natural And Gentle Constipation Remedy

Constipation is defined as the inability or difficulty to have a normal bowel movement. When your body is functioning correctly, the food you eat is passed through the small and large intestines in 12 to 24 hours. The nutrients are removed from the food to use as fuel for the cells. When the fecal matter sits in the lower intestine and colon for an extended period, the water is absorbed back into the system and the remaining matter becomes dry and difficult to out of the body. Here are some tips to help you find an effective constipation remedy.

In adults, constipation is typically due to any or several of the following causes: not enough fluid intake, a decrease in the level of physical activity, low dietary fiber consumption, the effects of some medications or colorectal cancer with accompanying obstruction. Some of the causes are easily remedied. Other causes of constipation require more serious intervention tactics.

Some medications are well-known for their effect on the regularity and ease of bowel movements. For example, diuretics work by removing water from the system, when the water is eliminated from the body through the bladder and kidneys, it is not able to provide water in the stool, which becomes hard and dry. Some antidepressants can cause constipation. Any medication that contains aluminum, calcium or iron can cause the body to respond with constipation symptoms.

A hormonal imbalance, such as that which occurs during a menstrual period can cause you to be constipated. Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause problems with normal elimination. Hormonal dysfunctions such as hypothyroidism can elevate calcium levels in the blood which in turn leads to constipation.

Constipation is generally diagnosed by a description of the symptoms. These symptoms can include very firm stool, straining to pass fecal matter, bloating, headaches, distension, pain in the abdomen, fatigue and exhaustion. The symptoms can include a sensation that the bowel did not empty completely.

Relieving the symptoms of constipation is important. You will need to distinguish between a temporary condition and a chronic condition. You must also rule out any physical obstruction in the bowel, rectum or colon that is preventing normal elimination.

Assuming that the causes comes from physiological rather than physical causes, you can make two simple changes to your habits and expect to get relief within 12 to 24 hours. Drink extra water. If you haven't been getting your eight glasses daily, begin immediately. Your second change should be the addition of food fiber sources to your diet. Strive to get forty grams of fiber daily into your diet.

You should try these constipation remedy tips first to see if you get relief. The addition of water to your diet will be helpful throughout your bodily systems. By adding fiber, the passage of food matter through the system is eased. You don't need to be concerned about depletion of nutrients that can occur with certain types of diuretics and laxative combinations. Instead, you work with the natural body processes to improve the ability to heal itself.