Nearly every person in the world has experienced constipation at one point or another, so understanding what causes constipation will help you learn ways you can avoid it. Quite a few factors exist that can lead to constipation. Some of them are discussed in this article.

Water

One of the major contributors to constipation is not drinking enough water. When not enough water is in the body, the stools harden and become difficult to pass. Not enough fiber is another factor that is similar to not enough water. However, in the case of not enough fiber, the body is unable to pass the stools, so they become even harder. They can then retract into the large intestine and result in an obstruction.

Medication

Certain medications like pain relievers and cough syrups can lead to constipation. A person who is constipated might be tempted to take a laxative, which will temporarily alleviate the symptoms. However, the body can develop resistance to them after they have been used for any length of time, and might make the condition worse in the long run.

Other Causes

Some other reasons behind constipation are: inactivity, an excess of calcium, or an excess of iron in the foods you eat.

If you consume too much coffee or tea, you can actually dehydrate yourself, because these diuretics will make you have to visit the bathroom more often.

Another cause is weak muscles of the bowel. This condition is most prevalent in the older population because their muscles tend to weaken over time.

If you have undergone a surgical procedure to the abdominal region in the not-too-distant past, you might experience some bowel muscle weakness.

Two other conditions that can lead to constipation are Irritable Bowel Syndrome and anxiety.

If you understand what causes constipation, you will then be better able to remedy your condition. But, even so, you would be best served to consult your physician to make sure you are not facing another, more severe situation.

We’ve all heard about constipation, but just what is constipation? Believe it or not, many people suffer from constipation regularly and women tend to have it more often than men. Most women experience constipation more often just prior to their monthly period and throughout pregnancy, and while it is not usually a serious condition, problems can arise if it is not treated properly.

Understanding what is constipation also means knowing the symptoms such as having a stomach ache and cramps, feeling bloated or sick, experiencing changes in your normal bathroom pattern, loss of appetite, depression, fatigue, headaches and “furred” tongue.

You should absolutely see a doctor if you are suffering from any of these symptoms for more than a few days, it might not seem serious but it could be. Alone, having one or more of these symptoms might not mean much, but coupled with your bowel problems – it’s just better to err on the side of caution.

Various Treatments Used to Cure Constipation

Sometimes there’s a simple cure for common, every day constipation – just increase the amount of fiber in your daily diet by adding in more fruits, veggies and whole-grain or multi-grain cereals or carbohydrate products.

Another thing that many people don’t realize the importance of is the amount of water they drink each day, which can have a huge impact on your overall diet and health. If you suffer from occasional constipation, drinking more water and eating healthier foods will help to prevent bowel problems in the future and will keep you healthier in the long run.

Being more active is also a big help for most people who suffer from constipation – even a brisk walk around the block can help to prevent bowel issues.

Laxatives may seem like a quick and easy solution, but you should really only use them on a limited basis and not take them regularly; if you have problems on a regular basis you should really speak with a doctor.

Understanding what is constipation and the simple steps you can do to treat and prevent it should help you to avoid it – in most cases – in the future.