Bloating

Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation is a common digestive problem. It may be difficult for you to have a bowel movement, or your bowel movements may be infrequent. Your stools may be very hard, making them so difficult to pass that you have to strain. Or you may feel like you still need to have a bowel movement even after you've had one.

Q &A: How often should I have a bowel movement?

Not everyone has bowel movements once a day. It's not true that you must have a daily bowel movement to be considered "regular." A normal range is anywhere between 3 times a day to 3 times a week. You may be getting constipated if you start having bowel movements much less often than you usually do.

Tips on preventing constipation:

- Don't resist or ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.

- Set aside time to have a bowel movement. A good time may be after breakfast or any other meal.

- Eat more fiber.

- Drink plenty of fluids (8 glasses a day is a good goal). Fluids can include water, juices, soup, tea and other drinks.

- Don't take laxatives too often. Overuse of laxatives may damage your bowels and may actually make constipation worse.

- Exercise more often.

- Limit foods that are high in fat and sugar (such as sweets, cheese and processed foods). These foods may cause constipation.

Q & A: What causes constipation?

As the food you eat passes through your digestive tract, your body takes nutrients and water from the food. This process creates a stool, which is moved through your intestines with muscle contractions (squeezing motions).

A number of things can affect this process. These include not drinking enough fluids, not being active enough, not eating enough fiber, taking certain medicines, not going to the bathroom when you have the urge to have a bowel movement and regularly using laxatives. Constipation is also common in pregnant women. Any of these things can cause the stools to move more slowly through your intestines, leading to constipation.

Q & A: How is constipation treated?

Eating enough fiber and drinking enough fluids are key to treating constipation. They help your stools move through your intestines by increasing the bulk of your stools and making your stools softer. Increasing how often you exercise will also help.

Talk to your family doctor if:

Constipation is new and unusual for you

- You have constipation for 3 weeks or more despite at-home treatment (such as diet changes)

- You have abdominal pain

- You notice any blood in your stools

- You lose weight without reason

Q & A: What should I eat?

Eat plenty of fiber. At least 2 cups of fruits and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables per day is recommended. It is suggested that men age 50 and younger consume at least 38 grams of fiber per day, while women age 50 and younger should consume at least 25 grams per day. Add extra fiber to your diet by eating cereals that contain bran or by adding bran as a topping on your fruit or cereal.

Bulk-forming laxatives work naturally to add bulk and water to your stools so that they can pass more easily through your intestines. Bulk-forming laxatives can be used every day. They include oat bran, psyllium (one brand: Metamucil), polycarbophil (one brand: FiberCon) and methylcellulose (one brand: Citrucel).

Q & A: How are bulk-forming laxatives used?

You must use bulk-forming laxatives daily for them to work. Follow the directions on the label. Start slowly and drink plenty of fluids. Gradually increase how much you use every 3 to 5 days (as your body gets used to it) until your stools are softer and easier to pass.

Q & A: What if I've been using enemas or laxatives for a long time?

You may have to retrain your body to go without laxatives or enemas if you've been using them for a long period of time. This means eating plenty of fiber, possibly using a bulk-forming laxative, drinking plenty of water, exercising and learning to give yourself time to have a bowel movement.

If you've used laxatives and enemas for a long time, your family doctor may suggest that you gradually reduce the use of them to give your body a chance to return to normal. Be patient because it may take many months for your bowels to get back to normal if you've been using laxatives or enemas regularly. Talk with your family doctor about any concerns you have.

If your particular ailment is not listed simply send us an email and we would be pleased to advise you if we can be of assistance. Email: appt@imperialspa.ca

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