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ConstipationPosted on October 1, 2011While
bowel movements is not a topic that is commonly discussed, this bodily
function is critical to good health. The frequency of bowel movements
varies widely from person to person. Some may have a daily movement,
while others have one every other day. Constipation refers to a
decrease in this frequency or a difficulty in eliminating stools. It is
considered a symptom, not a disease.
Everyone
experiences constipation at some time, but women and the elderly are
affected more than other demographic groups. Overall, 2% of the U.S.
population are affected. Someone has constipation if he or she
experiences one or more of these symptoms more than 25% of the time: 1)
straining during a bowel movement; 2) hard or dry stools; 3) incomplete
evacuation; 4) two or fewer movements in a week. Other symptoms
include swelling in the abdomen, abdominal pain, or vomiting.
Understanding
your body and how it should function optimally is very important in
maintaining good health. Regular bowel movements impact an individual s
energy, digestion, and detoxification. Constipation can promote
inflammation in the body and lead to chronic disease. According to some
medical professionals, the ideal bowel transit time is 12 to 24 hours,
indicating at least one bowel movement per day. If this isn t
happening, the body s waste is sitting in the colon possibly causing
irritation in the colon s lining. A person can also be at risk when
hormones are in the system; the body normally breaks down hormones and
then excretes them in the stool. If the stool is in the colon for a
lengthy time, the hormones can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream,
increasing the potential for estrogen-fueled cancers, like breast
cancer.
Many
factors can contribute to having constipation. Some of these include a
poor diet (low in fiber and an excess in animal fats and dairy
products), inadequate intake of water, excessive intake of caffeine and
alcohol, poor bowel habits (ignoring the body s signals for a bowel
movement), medications (including antidepressants and painkillers),
travel or other disruption (diet, routine or lifestyle), laxative abuse,
pregnancy, stress, inadequate physical activity, and depression.
Some helpful home remedies for constipation include: Hydration (drink
2-4 extra glasses of water a day; drink warm liquids, especially in the
morning; decrease alcohol and caffeine consumption); Fiber (increase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet; prunes and bran cereal are also good additions); Exercise (develop a routine of regular physical activity); and Bowel Hygiene (make the time to have a bowel movement when your body indicates it s ready).
Medical
attention is recommended if there is severe pain with bowel movements,
blood in the stools, recent and significant change in bowl habits.
For
more information, the November 2011 issue of Experience Life magazine
includes an article entitled No One Wants to Talk About Constipation,
which is available online at experiencelife.com. Chinese Nutritional Therapy, Season of Fall
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