It has been estimated that in the United States, over 3 million people have constipation, defined as fewer than 3 bowel movements per week. Among them, more than 2 million suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As we eat, food is digested in the stomach and passes to small intestine, the large intestine, and then on to the rectum. When food moves to the large intestine, it absorbs water and makes the feces take on the shape and consistency that we are used to. The large intestine absorbs more water, making the stool drier and bulky thus, more difficult to pass. The movement of food through the large intestine slows. The amount of time the waste remains in the colon increases, leading to constipation. Regular bowel movements are necessary to remove waste and toxins from the body.
The cause
The major lifestyle causes of constipation are: lack of exercise, eating too much junk food, and a poor diet with inadequate fiber intake. Medication such as painkillers, antidepressants and aluminum hydroxide-containing antacids may cause constipation. Medical conditions including thyroid problems, circulatory disorders, diverticulitis, colon polyps, colon fistulas, and colonic obstruction may also be associated with constipation. Pregnancy and Vitamin B1 deficiency can also cause constipation.
The remedy
Digestive challenges can be dealt effectively with diet, natural nutritional aids, increasing water intake.
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