Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel Constipation is determined in the colon (large intestine), which is responsible for packaging and eliminating stool.

As food moves through the colon, it absorbs water while forming stool. Muscle contractions (squeezing motions) in the colon push the stool toward the rectum (the lower 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine). By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid, because most of the water has been absorbed.

Constipation occurs when the stool becomes hard and dry and is unable to pass out of the body during a bowel movement.

Some people think they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, normal stool elimination may be three times a day or three times a week, depending on the person.

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, and a poor diet typically is the cause. Most constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief.

Symptoms of Constipation

•    Infrequent bowel movements and/or difficulty having bowel movements.

•    Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain.

•    Pain.

•    Vomiting.

Causes of constipation

Theoretically, constipation can be caused by the slow passage of digesting food through any part of the intestine. More than 95% of the time, however, the slowing occurs in the colon. Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a structural problem. Common causes of constipation include:

•    Low fiber diet

•    Low intake of fluids

•    Some particular diseases like hyperacidity, diabetes, colitis, sluggish liver and tumors

•    Weak abdominal muscles

•    Holding back stools when in pressure

•    Irregular meals

•    Incomplete chewing of food

•    High intake of refined foods

Prevent the constipation:

•    Eat a high-fiber diet. Choose less heavy wait food, including fruits, vegetables, beans and whole-grain cereals and breads.

•    Fix limit the low-fiber foods. Foods which have high in fat and sugar such as ice cream, cheese and processed foods may cause or aggravate constipation.

•    Exercise regularly. You should do regular physical exercise, such as walking, biking or swimming, to help stimulate intestinal function. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week is recommended.

•    Try soft supplements. Therapy of Metamucil and Citrucel can help you to keep stools soft and regular. Be sure to drink water or other fluids every day in large amount.

Home Remedies for Constipation

•    Regular drinking of water is highly beneficial for cleaning the system. Everyday 7-8 glasses of water are recommended for digesting and dissolving the food nutrients.

•    Eating chapatti made of wheat (two parts) and roasted black gram powder (one part) is beneficial and is good constipation remedy.

•    You should walking 4-5 kms after dinner is highly beneficial as it helps in the digestion of food.

•    Half cup cabbage juice taken two times daily cures constipation.

•    Mango is a very good reliever of constipation.

•    Dates along with milk are also good for constipation.