Problems With Constipation
Constipation is a very common gastrointestinal problem that all Americans experience at some time or another. Constipation can be uncomfortable, but when it causes pain, it can lead to hemorrhoids. If someone were to experience a painful stool, they may try to avoid or delay any other bowel movements, either consciously or subconsciously; which in turn leads to more extensive constipation.
What is Constipation?
Most people know that constipation is when there is infrequent or difficult passage of stool. Obviously, frequency varies from person to person. Some people have bowel movements after every meal and others have one every few days. Changes in diet, liquid intake or a level of stress can throw off your normal frequency and because of this, the stool is constantly changing. Temporary variations in size, consistency, amount or color should not be alarming. If you ever notice blood in the stool, either a more blackish color or a bright red, or if changes in your normal bowel movements last longer than two to three weeks then you will want to call your gastroenterologist because there could be underlying gastrointestinal problems.
During normal digestion, food enters the mouth and is chewed and mixed with saliva. It is then swallowed and enters the esophagus, a long tube leading into the stomach. Once in the stomach the food is processed two ways, mechanically by a churning motion and then chemically by the digestive juices that are in the stomach. From there, the contents enter the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal wall into the blood stream. Any remaining material is passed into the colon where the liquids are absorbed and the waste becomes drier and more solid. As the waste continues through the colon, more and more of the liquid is absorbed. If the food moves slowly during this transit time, constipation is more likely to occur because more and more of the liquids were absorbed. If the transit time is too rapid, the stool is unable to stay in the colon long enough and retains more liquids, resulting in diarrhea.
How Can I Avoid Constipation?
If you are not drinking enough liquids or have not eaten enough fiber then you are more likely to become constipated. As mentioned before, any changes in diet, liquid intake or a level of stress can throw off your normal frequency. The recommended amount of fiber intake is 30-40 grams. This sounds like a lot and it is not suggested that you begin increasing fiber dramatically because it could result in diarrhea. The key to keeping things normal while adding fiber is to do it gradually. The gastroenterologists at GI Associates will be glad to help you and can provide you with a pamphlet entitled “High fiber/low fat diet.”
What Can I Do If I Am Constipated?
There are many different kinds of laxatives on the market today, some gentler and others a little more aggressive. Talk with a gastroenterologist before choosing a laxative because they can help find the best laxative based on the underlying reasons behind your constipation. Unfortunately, many people do not heed this advice and continue to take laxatives whenever there is a constipation problem. An overuse of laxatives can actually cause constipation and can lead to other serious problems as well, which is why it is important to talk to a gastroenterologist.
If you want a more natural route, try eating prunes or drinking prune juice. Prunes are an excellent source of Vitamin A and fiber and can be used as a preventative for constipation or a remedy. Many people prefer this method as opposed to using laxatives, as it can be much gentler. Make sure that you are drinking about 6-8 glasses of water a day too. It is important to make sure you are replenishing your body with fluids in order to keep your body from becoming constipated again.
Make an appointment with one of the gastrointestinal specialists at GI Associates if you are having chronic constipation or if you have any questions. They are equipped with many tools to help ease your pain and to prevent these and other gastrointestinal problems.