Prevention As a Relief of Constipation

The condition referred to as constipation is known by many other names including dyssynergic defaecation and costiveness dyschezia. It is distinguished by having difficulty in bowel movements, oftentimes producing hard lumpy stools. The passing of these stools cause pain. Although generally harmless, a chronic form known as obstipation can cause severe pain. Oftentimes it has been said that prevention is better than a cure. It is all the more true in the case of constipation. The symptom is easier to prevent from happening than it is to treat. Constipation remedies such as laxatives are not as effective without a proper change in the diet and lifestyle.

There are numerous ways which can cause people to become constipated. Some of the most common causes include not having enough fiber or liquids in the system, not doing a lot of physical activity, a side effect of certain medications, colorectal cancer and even hypothyroidism. In some cases, stress is also a factor.

For some individuals who suffer from constipation, taking laxatives is the easier alternative than changing the diet. However, routine consumption of laxatives is not encouraged as it can lead to dependency on the medication. Laxatives made from natural ingredients are a better alternative. Laxatives containing milk of magnesia is popular as these are both cheap and effective. For those that do not gain relief from consuming laxatives, stimulants may be used as an alternative. Another common treatment is by taking enemas. These help in bowel movement. However, these are only effective in certain areas of the digestive system.

Humans are not alone in experiencing constipation. Animals such as bears and canines also get constipated. Bears purposely induce a form of constipation by eating certain foods before hibernation, creating a rectal plug in the process. As such, bears and other hibernating animals undergo a phase during spring where they painfully expel the waste from their body. On the other hand, canines consume grasses and some type of plants to make the bowel move smoothly.

Much like animals, people also need to defecate on a regular basis in order to live a healthy life. In addition, the stools passed must not be lumpy and hard. Dry and hard stools are difficult to pass and a clear indication of having constipation, regardless of whether the movement is regular or not. A healthy diet consisting of foods rich in fiber and nutrients as well as lots of liquids is essential in order to have relief of constipation.