John Myers
One topic that many would prefer not to think about at all is our bowel movements. However, if chronic constipation (constipation) occurs here, you should become active and do something about it. Eating right can help, too!
Constipation – what is behind it?
Defecation is a complicated process. The stool collects in the rectum, the overstretching creates an urge to defecate. Both the opening and the conscious “stopping” are regulated via the sphincter ring of the anus. Normal is a bowel movement between three times a day to every three days. But it is very different from person to person. If the time is exceeded to a large extent, constipation is present, which requires treatment, especially in the case of severe symptoms.
Symptoms can include flatulence, a feeling of fullness, nausea, vomiting, and an uncomfortable pressure in the abdomen. Even real abdominal pain can be symptomatic of constipation. Loss of appetite impedes nutrition. If you do not have a bowel movement and your symptoms are increasing, you should have this checked by a doctor.
Who is prone to constipation?
The gut is an indicator of our well-being. Therefore, many of our daily habits affect the condition of the intestines. 10 to 15 percent of the population tend to be constipated. Women suffer from it more often than men. The causes are complex. Everyone knows short-term problems after a change of location or on vacation. In the long term, living conditions, diet, and, of course, diseases are among the risk factors for constipation.
Physically inactive, overweight people are more prone to constipation because the intestinal muscles are not stimulated enough. Losing weight can be a solution. Stress also diverts bioactive substances, the intestines receive too few impulses. The consequences can be a tendency to constipation, but also diarrhea.
A low-fiber diet or not drinking enough water are other causes of constipation. Dietary fiber can bind water in the intestines, which increases the volume of the stool. This leads to the fact that the intestinal motor system, the peristalsis, is stimulated and the discharge is made easier.
Due to irritable bowel syndrome or organic causes in the intestine itself, such as tissue changes due to inflammation or tumors, pathological bowel wall protrusions (diverticles), but also diseases of the anus lead to stool retention. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, gout, or thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, as well as numerous medications (painkillers, dehydrating drugs, or psychotropic drugs) have a negative impact on intestinal mobility. Hormonal influences during pregnancy or menopause can cause constipation.
