Causes of constipation
To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through it, the colon absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool.
The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and high in fats found in cheese, eggs, and meats. People who eat plenty of high-fiber foods are less likely to become constipated.
Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for toddler constipation. If your toddler is not getting enough fluids then their stools can become hard and difficult to pass.
Symptoms of Constipation
Swollen, hard tummy (abdomen).
Very liquid diarrhoea that you can’t control at all (overflow diarrhoea).
Difficulty and pain when having a bowel movement.
Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week.
Bowel movements are infrequent.
Even after a bowel movement there is a continued sensation of fullness.
Constipation is a toxic condition of the colon due to infrequent, often difficult bowel movements. Most of us have experienced constipation to varying degrees. Lifestyle seems to be its main cause – poor diet, not drinking enough water, lack of exercise, busy lives that interfere with regularity, and stress and anxiety.
A number of things can affect this process. These include not drinking enough fluids, not being active enough, not eating enough fiber, taking certain drugs, not going to the bathroom when you have the urge to have a bowel movement and regularly using laxatives.
Risk Factors Of Constipation
Not enough fiber in diet. The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and high in fats found in cheese, eggs, and meats. People who eat plenty of high-fiber foods become constipated less often. Fiber -- soluble and insoluble -- is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest.
Diet in Constipation
Vegetables, fruits (especially dried fruits) and some cereals (whole wheat, bran or oatmeal) are excellent sources of fiber. It is easy to remember that the harder a vegetable is (like celery), the more fiber it has. To reap the benefits of fiber, it is very important to drink an adequate amount of water to help with the passage of stool in the intestines.
Breads and Cereals Eat more wholemeal / wholegrain / granary bread, rolls, pitta bread, chapattis or wholemeal scones etc.
Fruit Try including more fruit in your diet, either tinned, fresh, stewed, pureed or dried.
Limit problem foods. Foods that are high in fat and sugar and those that tend to be low in fiber content, such as ice cream, cheese and processed foods, may cause or aggravate.
Try fiber supplements. Over-the-counter products such as Metamucil and Citrucel can help keep stools soft and regular. Check with your doctor about using stool softeners.
Sitting back,relax. Listening some sprightly music.Laughing as possible as you can. There will be viberation at belly when you laugh, which is a kind of massge to the bowel.
Self Care Of Constipation
Diet – Increase your fiber intake by taking more vegetables and fruits. Low fiber diet increases the likelihood of constipation while high fiber diet not only prevents constipation but is also known to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Treatments of Constipation
Laxatives - laxative use can be dangerous for children, the use of laxatives can lead to over-use of laxatives, which can actually create more constipation.
Hyperosmolar laxatives are undigestible, unabsorbable compounds that remain within the colon and retain the water that already is in the colon. The result is softening of the stool. The moipatst common hyperosmolar laxatives are lactulose (e.g., Kristalose), sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol (e.g., MiraLax). They are available by prescription only.
Read About Health Answers Also read about Ask And Discuss and Home Remedies