1. Constipation--a Widespread Secret
Although people don't often talk about it, doctors report that many of their patients complain of constipation. Constipated people go to the bathroom only a few times a week and may have difficulty when they do go. They strain to have a bowel movement or experience a bloated feeling in between bowel movements. Constipation can occur at any age, but seniors have constipation symptoms more often.
2. Poor Diet Is to Blame
Changes to your diet often reverse the symptoms of constipation. Hard to digest and high fat foods make you more likely to have problems going to the bathroom. Fried fast food meals, broccoli, cabbage and beans are all examples of hard to digest food items. Many people find that dairy products can cause them to feel constipated as well. If you are constipated, you may want to start watching the amount of milk and cheese you consume.
3. Fiber Helps Move Things Along
People who eat high fiber diets have more regular bowel movements. Fiber aids the body in passing the stools and keeping them from forming hard masses. Changes to your diet can help you get more fiber. Eat more whole grain cereals and breads, fruits and vegetables. These food items are all high in fiber. You can also ask your doctor about taking a fiber supplement. Blend fiber supplements into drinks to naturally increase your daily intake of fiber.
4. Use Laxatives Sparingly
To help the person go to the bathroom, a doctor may recommend using a laxative. When taking a laxative, the person will likely have a bowel movement within the next 24 hours. Although occasional laxative use is typically fine, many people start to abuse laxatives over time. As they take more laxatives to help them go to the bathroom, their bodies start to build up a resistance. In turn, people have to take additional doses in order for the medication to be effective.
5. Frequent Constipation Heralds a Check-Up
If you experience frequent bouts of constipation, go to the doctor for an evaluation. The doctor may run some tests to determine whether an underlying problem is causing the constipation. Your doctor may consider a possible metabolic or endocrine disorder, including diabetes, hypothyroidism or uremia, as the cause of your constipation. Your doctor may run additional tests if diet and lifestyle changes have no effect on the constipation.
