Getting Rid of Constipation

This simply means opening your bowels less often then normal and/or having to strain to pass faeces. The word "nomal" is important here, because what is usual can vary hugely from person to person; it can be anything from two to three times a day, to two or three times a week. For instance, if you normakky open your bowels twice a day,then only opening them twice a weekcould mean that you are constipated.

Cause

Your intestine is basically a long muscular tube along which food is propelledd by muscular contraction - a bit like squeezing toothpaste. Water and nutrients are extracted from the food along the way, and its progress is influenced by many factors. Changes to anything that influences your bowel action may lead to constipation, including:

• Diet - Not enough fibre or fluids.
• Poor bowel habit - ignoring the need to open your bowel
• Age - the older you are, to more prone you are to constipation.
• Exersise - The less we exersise, the less our bowels open.
• Medication
• Hormonal change - like pregnacy.
• Medical problems.

Treatments

If changes to your diet and lifestyle that address the possible cause don't seem to work, medication may help. Many constipation medications are available without prescription from your chemist, but the differences between them can be confusing; ask your pharmacust if in doubt. Broadly, such medications can be divided into four categories:

• Bulk-forming laxitives - these are good for people who cannot get enough fibre.
• Faecal softeners - explains in the name.
• Osmotic laxitives - these draw liquid from your body and retain it in your bowels.
• Stimulant Laxatives - these work by incresing contractions.

Hope this helps you, and good luck!
Credit to Dr. Dawn