Main causes of chronic constipation

It’s a part of life that we must deal with and it should actually be occurring as a rare case and not the norm. There are some people that have constipation on a regular basis. They may learn to live with it but they shouldn’t have to if they learn and correct the causes of chronic constipation.

Constipation is a condition where the stool becomes compacted and hard; size is small and is difficult to eliminate. Those that suffer from constipation experience excessive gas and bloating, bad temperament, a feeling of exhaustion and sometimes headaches. The body needs to eliminate waste, otherwise the toxins build up in the system and can cause overall systemic problems.

The causes of chronic constipation can be as few as one or a combination of many. Lifestyle is the main reason for most people. Poor eating habits with low fiber intake is the top reason that people are constipated. We live in a fast paced society where unhealthy fast food is shoved in front of us as a replacement of a healthy meal. Low consumption of fruits and vegetables can also contribute to the problem.

Most people do not drink enough water. The body needs water to flush the system and remove the toxins. Lubrication is a requirement for a healthy intestinal tract. We are made of up seventy percent water and need to replenish it constantly. Another lifestyle problem is dehydration that is associated with a high alcohol intake.

In a society that seems to be obsessed with eating and exercise, the lack of exercise is a major contributor to constipation. Exercising allows the body to increase circulation and move the waste through the system.

Both medications and pregnancy can cause constipation. If you are on medications that cause constipation, you will need to consult with your physician on additional foods that need to be added to your diet to eliminate the problem. Pregnancy changes your entire body around and you will want to reduce the sodium intake and increase your water intake. Also speak to your physician on the best methods to control a constipation problem.

Life changes and stress are triggers for some people to experience constipation. The emotional stress can emulate irritable bowel syndrome. While it should be temporary, longer term conditions need to be addressed by your major medical provider.

Lactose intolerance is yet another possible cause of constipation. Lactose intolerance symptoms also include abdominal pain, gas, bloating and in some cases, nausea. You will need to eliminate all milk products from your diet. There are now a number of milk substitutes on the market that you can buy without the problems of the intolerance.

As we age, our bodies slow down and will need additional fiber and dietary changes to keep from being constipated. The cartoon of the aging man eating prunes explains it all.

Specific medical conditions such as colon or intestinal problems do have symptoms that include constipation. People that have experienced a stroke will often find that that they are suddenly experiencing constipation, when they never had the problem previously.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.