Constipation Causes
The basics of constipation
By Jarrett Kruse
Constipation happens when the colon absorbs too much water or if the muscles in the colon are contracting slowly or poorly so that the stool moves too slowly and loses more water. The constipation causes are quite common and widespread and consistent among sufferers. A majority of the time the person’s diet is lacking in adequate quantities of fiber. A diet with low fiber and high fat is more likely to lead you to experience constipation. If you consume a large amount of high fat foods like cheese, meats, and eggs, make sure you are also eating enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are rich in fiber.
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To avoid constipation and other colon disease, it is important to take in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water while insoluble doesn’t. Fiber cannot be digested and soluble fiber is transformed as it passes through the digestive tract where it is fermented by bacteria. Soluble fiber absorbs water and becomes gelatinous as it goes through your system. Fiber promotes bowel movements and prevents constipation.
We know that if somebody has had to lie down in bed for a long time, perhaps for several days or weeks, their risk of having constipation is significantly increased. Some say that physical activity keeps our metabolism high, making most things in our bodies happen more rapidly. Elderly people tend to have a more inactive lifestyle, compared to younger people and are at higher risk of constipation. Physically active people are much less likely to become constipated than inactive people. Laxatives are effective and they do help bowel movements. The problem is that if we keep taking them we gradually have to up the dose for the same effect. As we get older our metabolism slows down, resulting in less intestinal activity. The muscles in the digestive tract do not work as well as they used to. There are also colon cleansers that some people with chronic constipation use so that they can clear out their bowels of the accumulated waste that has built up. Colonic irrigation is another option for those who suffer with consistent constipation. If you tend to suffer regularly from constipation you should seriously consider increasing your consumption of water.
