Causes of Constipation

It is better to understand the physiology first. When the food is consumed, the food moves through the intestines. The intestines absorbs the nutritious material and water from the food and leaves the waste material as it is.

During the whole process there is a rhythmic contraction and relaxation that seems like intestines are moving the way reptile moves. This pushes the food or waste products towards the rectum. By the time this reaches to the rectum, it is solid as most of the water is been absorbed by the digestive tract.

When the colon absorbs too much water or the stools remains in the intestines they become solid, hard and dry. Here are the common causative factors…

· Certain medications
· Not enough roughage in the diet
· Not enough liquid or water in diet
· In elderly it is common due to lack of physical activity
· One who is abused of laxatives
· One who ignores the natural urge of bowel movement
· One who is dehydrated
· Certain diseases of colon and rectum
· Unknown cause like, idiopathic constipation.
· Certain professions where there is sitting for prolonged period like drivers and IT professionals.

Here is the description of few of them…

Not enough roughage

People who eat diet which is reach in fiber is less likely to develop constipation. Cheese, eggs, meats which are low in fiber causes constipation. The fiber can't be digested and they are both – fat soluble and insoluble. They can be found in vegetables, grains and fruits. Soluble fiber gets dissolved easily in the water and forms the soft, gel like structure on the intestines. Insoluble fiber gets through the intestines and they are almost unchanged. The soft texture and bulky product of fiber help preventing dry and hard stools that is difficult to pass out.

The daily recommended fiber is 30-40 gm of fiber. The low fiber diet is one of the important factor causing constipation among older adults who may be interested in eating and choosing foods that are easily available in markets like junk food or fast food, both of which are low in fiber. Old aged people, may not able to chew properly may invite the constipation due to improper grinding of the food particles.

Not enough liquid or water in diet

Current research shows that although taking fluid can't surely help in constipation. It is word of mouth that makes water as popular remedy to the constipation. Many people have reported that when they start taking plenty fluids, they got improved constipation. Liquids add fluid to the intestines and bulk to the feces making intestinal movements softer and easier. However liquid containing caffeine and alcohol must be avoided.

Lack of physical activities

Although how this happens is still to be evaluated, but this is fact that a person with less physical activity in susceptible to have constipation. The patient who is on the bed due to their long and chronic disease may develop constipation.
Certain medications

Medications like iron supplements, calcium channel blockers, antispasmodics, anti-depressions, diuretics, antacids and anticonvulsants are very well known producing the constipation.

Certain diseases

There are many diseases in which the constipation is one of the symptoms. This includes neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and spinal cord injuries. Metabolic and endocrine conditions like diabetes, uremia, poor glycemic control, hypocalcaemia and hypothyroidism may invite the constipation. Systemic diseases like amyloidosis, scleroderma and lupus.

Abuse to the laxatives

It is a myth that one must have daily defecation and with soft stools and this makes people to take laxative on the daily basis. In addition, the laxatives are available as OTC products and are available easily on chemist store. It is known that whatever happens to the body on daily basis, becomes routine and hence body gets accustomed towards the drug. Taking laxatives on daily basis treats the body in such a way that without laxative, one can't have normal soft stools.

Ayurveda states that when a person doesn’t take enough water or takes Vata Dosha aggravating food and drinks in excess, his Vata Dosha shoots up in high quantity (Vata Dosha vriddhi) and makes the stools dry. This causes constipation. Vata Dosha aggravator includes irregular intervals in between meals, too much sleep, dry meals, excessive maida (refined wheat flour) items like junk food is prone to have this symptom.

So, to cope up everything in general, inadequate roughage or fiber in diet could be the major cause among all. Eating irregularity could be one causative factor. Sedentary work with sluggishness and no exercise may bring this problem into one’s body. Smoking, alcohol, too spicy food are also aggravating factors. Food poisoning especially lead poisoning may result into constipation. A person with sitting job such as drivers and IT professions who stuck to their seat for long period may suffer. Recent research shows tension and worries could lead to constipation.

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