Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Constipation affects everyone from time to time and while it can be embarrassing it is wise to seek assistance to deal with the immediate pain as well as the underlying problem. If you’ve ever dealt with or are currently dealing with this common bathroom complaint, here are the most common constipation causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Causes of constipation
Everyone experiences constipation differently. What triggers a blockage in your digestive system might not be a problem for someone else. One big cause of constipation is not drinking enough water – most people simply do not get enough water each day or consume beverages that dehydrate, such as coffee or tea.
Another problem that compounds this is the lack of quality fiber in your diet, which provides poop with sufficient bulk to make it easy to pass. If you aren’t active, that can contribute to constipation, as active, engaged muscles effectively encourage the digestive system to do its job.
Stress is another lifestyle problem that compounds constipation. If you’ve suffered from stress, you’ll know that it is stored in the belly region, which is why stressed out people often have a larger waistline. Some doctors prescribe medicine for stress and other related conditions, and while essential, can cause your digestive system to slow down.
Typical constipation symptoms
The classic symptoms of constipation include missing a bowel movement, which can be very hard to determine as everyone has a different definition of regularity. If you go to the bathroom daily, then missing a day or maybe two or three days, that might be a sign of a problem.
If you must strain to have a bowel movement, or if you feel like a lot needs to come out but it doesn’t, this is also a sign of constipation. This sensation is often accompanied by bloating which can be very painful.
Thankfully, targeted constipation treatment will help you make this pain a thing of the past.
Treatment Options
While immediate relief can be found in over the counter laxatives, it is better to consult with a holistic medical practitioner, such as a chiropractor, to determine the underlying reason for your problems through a through analysis of your health and habits.
You will be able to alleviate your current constipation symptoms by adopting positive habits, such as changes in diet and exercising more. Constipation medication and wellness techniques will also allow your body to eliminate waste properly.
While conventional medicine does help, regular prescriptions only treat the symptoms rather than the cause. Why not take a smarter approach and treat the underlying cause of your digestive complaints.