Both types of fiber are important for a healthy diet and for managing constipation. Soluble fiber thickens when combined with water and slows food in the gastrointestinal tract. Insoluble fiber creates more bulk which helps keep food moving as it travels through the digestive system. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. And there are some basic lifestyle and diet choices you can make part of your regular routine that will help.Īt its simplest, avoiding constipation relies on more of three things: more fiber, more fluids, and more exercise.Īdopting a high-fiber diet includes eating foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts and seeds. Great question! It is generally simpler and healthier to prevent constipation altogether than to treat it once it occurs. Constipation can also be the result of illness including a variety of gastrointestinal diseases such as IBD, or other illnesses like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and depression. In less common cases, constipation can be caused by some type of obstruction such as scar tissue from previous surgery, a tumor, pressure from carrying a baby in pregnancy, or impaction caused by hardened feces. While laxatives are an effective treatment for constipation, overuse can result in dependency. Things like iron supplements, calcium supplements, pain medications, antidepressants, and others can cause constipation. Whether feeling too busy, avoiding the pain of going (which can often be due to hemorrhoids), or feeling limited for any other reason, delaying a trip to the bathroom can contribute to constipation.Ĭonstipation is also caused by both over-the-counter and prescription medications. Another common cause is simply not responding to the urge to go. On average, a person needs 30-40 grams of fiber per day, along with 6-8 glasses of water. Not getting enough fiber in your daily diet, or not drinking enough water are two common causes of constipation. But constipation has other causes as well. Traveling, adapting to a new schedule, suffering from illness, or simply becoming too stressed or busy can result in constipation. Most people have experienced constipation at some point as a result of their routine being interrupted. Anyone with constipation should consult their healthcare provider if constipation does not improve with treatment, bleeding occurs, or constipation is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or weight loss. Women who experience constipation during pregnancy should talk to their doctor about safe and effective treatment options. However, there are other solutions available if you experience frequent, unresponsive, or chronic constipation. Sometimes over-the-counter medications including laxatives or stool softeners are needed, it is important to note that chronic use of OTC laxatives can be dangerous and only to be used rarely. You may have stool that is hard, and you may experience bloating and pain in the back or abdomen while constipated.Ĭonstipation is usually short-lived and can be made better through changes to your lifestyle and diet, for example drinking more water. It’s individual-constipation means bowel movements that are less frequent than usual for you. So constipation doesn’t have a specific number or timeline attached to it. There is a wide range of “normal” bowel movement frequency all the way from three times a day to once a week. Read on for information about what to do when you need to go but can’t.Ĭonstipation is defined as infrequent or difficult bowel movements that are often painful and involve hard stool. And constipation is even more common among adults than diarrhea. Perhaps the only thing worse than rushing to the bathroom is not being able to go at all.
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