Constipation occurs when a persondefecates less than three times a week. Constipation can happen toanyone - even when there is no sign of another illness. Often times,people think they are constipated when they actually are not. For manyyears, people have believed that the norm if to use the bathroom daily.But, there is no normal range that fits every person. Some peoplenaturally defecate 2-3 times each day, while others may only defecate 1time a day, or even only 2-3 times per week. Many times you will seenew parents charting when their infant defecates - this gives them anidea of what is normal for their infant and can help them detect eventsor actions that may cause the infant to be constipated. However, oncethe child reaches early childhood, most parents stop keeping an accountof their child's potty habits. Most people's body's work on a certainschedule - and not everyone has the same schedule. So, how do you knowif what you are experiencing are
constipation symptoms or just your digestive system's natural schedule?
Constipation symptoms include the following: - Difficulty passing feces
- Stools that are hard, dry, and small
- Less than 3 bowel movements per week
- Less than 1 bowel movement per week in severe cases
- Bloating
- Painful passing of feces
In severe cases, the following constipation symptoms may be present: - Foul Breath
- Headache
- Coated Tongue
- Dizziness
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Depression
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Dark circles under eyes
- Pimples on face
- Pain in lumbar area
- Acidity
- Heart burn
- Insomnia
Constipation Cures Before you begin treating constipation, you should consult yourphysician for a proper diagnosis. Treating constipation when it is justyour body's natural cycle can actually cause you to begin sufferingfrom constipation. If you visit your physician and get a diagnosis ofconstipation, you should discuss
with your physician some constipation cures.
The most common cause of constipation is an unhealthy diet and lack ofexercise. Sometimes, changing your eating habits and beginning aregular exercise regimen can effectively eliminate constipation symptoms.Other times, your physician may wish to run tests to find out if thereis a medical cause for your constipation - constipation is often thesymptom of a more serious illness or disease. Your physician will alsoreview any medications that you may be currently taking to see if yourconstipation is a side effect. Constipation cures can include the following: - Healthy diet including fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and fiber
- Regular exercise routine
- Laxativesin severe cases - but, as with any medications, you should discuss withyour physician the side effects of the medication and medicationsshould only be used as a short-term option. The overuse of laxativescan cause your digestive system to become dependent and make itdifficult for your digestive system to clean your body of wastesnaturally.
- Drink plenty of fluids - you must keep your body properly hydrated in order for your digestive system to work naturally
- Avoid foods that cause constipation - milk and dairy products, dry beans, cabbage, cauliflower, fried foods, and red meat
- Corn Syrup - one tablespoon of corn syrup mixed in eight ounces of liquid is a great remedy for infants
- Folic Acid - be sure that your body has the proper amounts of folic acid
- Sugar - sugar added to liquids can act as a natural for constipation
- Aloe Vera Juice - helps to heal and clean the digestive system making the deposit of waste easier
- Apple Pectin - gives your body fiber that is essential for normal bowel movements
- Triphala - consisting of Harad, Bahera, and Amla (herbs), this ground powder should be ingested with warm water or milk at bedtime
Knowing constipation symptoms and controlling the symptoms are important for a healthy, happy life. The most important and controllable constipation cure is a healthy diet and regular exercise - and avoiding things that you know can bring on the symptoms of constipation. DrJohn Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience andextensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are lookingfor more information,
