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Constipation Facts about constipation: Prevalance of Constipation: 4.4 million people in the USA 1983-87 (Digestive diseases in the United States: Epidemiology and Impact – NIH Publication No. 94-1447, NIDDK, 1994) Prevalance Rate: approx 1 in 61 or 1.62% or 4.4 million people in USA Prevalance of Constipation: According to the 1991 National Health Interview Survey, about 4 1/2 million people in the United States say they are constipated most or all of the time. Those reporting constipation most often are women, children, and adults age 65 and over. Pregnant women also complain of constipation, and it is a common problem following childbirth or surgery. Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States, resulting in about 2 million annual visits to the doctor. However, most people treat themselves without seeking medical help, as is evident from the $725 million Americans spend on laxatives each year.
Causes of constipation: To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through the colon, it absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.
The hard and dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. Common causes of constipation include:
• Not enough liquids
• Lack of exercise
• Medications
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel
• Abuse of laxatives
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• Stroke (by far the most common)
• Problems with the colon and rectum
• Problems with intestinal function (Chronic idiopathic constipation)
What can be done to improve bowel function? Exercise regularly Drink plenty of fluids Make time for your bowel movements and avoid staining or pushing Seek pelvic floor rehabilitation, which will help train your pelvic floor to relax so bowel movements come with easr. Increase your fruit, vegetable and fiber intake. Remember to drink water with fiber! When you feel the need to have a bowel movement act at once.
What else can chronic constipation cause?
Constipation with straining can harm the pelvic floor. The pressure can significantly weaken or damage the pelvic floor muscles and be the cause of urinary incontinence. To avoid becoming incontinent as a result of poor bowel movement routine, it's important to maintain good habits for better bowel function.
Soluble Sources of Fiber
Barley
Brown rice
Currants
Dried beans
Figs
French bread
Fresh peas
Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
Oat Bran Oatmeal
Pasta
Prunes
Psyllium husks (Metamucil)
Raisins
Rice
Sourdough bread
Soy
Are there more natural treatments instead of laxatives?
Try this all-natural recipe and make it part of your intake forever.
Constipation Concoction
1 cup Apple Sauce
1 cup Oat Bran or unprocessed Wheat Bran
¾ cup prune juice
This recipe is commonly suggested to promote regular bowel function by increasing dietary fiber. You may experience a bloated feeling and have gas when adding fiber to your diet, but this should pass in a few weeks. It is important to avoid regular use of laxatives and enemas as they decrease the bowels function.
Begin with 1-2 Tablespoon each evening mixed with or followed by one 6-8 ounces cup of water or juice. This should help to soften and regulate your bowel movements within 2 weeks. If no change occurs, slowly increase serving to 3-4 Tablebspoon. You should plan on making this a part of your daily routine for the rest of your lifetime.
This may be stored in your refrigerator or freezer. One to two Tablespoon servings may be frozen in sectioned ice cube trays or in foam plastic egg cartons and thawed as needed.
Additional recommendations to treat constipation:
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