Question:
What causes constipation?
Answer:
Constipation is the inability to defecate. Frequency passing stools and the consistency of the feces varies from individual to individual. But, experts, recommend at least 1 bowel movement every day.
Causes for Constipation
There are a number of probable causative factors that could result in constipation:
- The principal cause is consuming a low fibre diet. A diet which lacks in fibre or roughage affects bowel motility. Fibre adds bulk to the feces and aids in easy evacuation. (foods that provide fibre are – whole grains and cereals, fresh fruits, especially oranges, sweet limes, guava, banana and mangoes, salads and raw vegetables).So it is essential to have adequate fibre in the diet for constipation.
- Inadequate intake of water. A minimum of 3 liters of water per day is advocated. Water helps in trouble-free elimination of stools, without the need to strain. It peps up peristalsis. Consequently, step up your intake of fluids and water to about 2 and 1/2 to 3 liters.
- Poor activity level and a sedentary lifestyle greatly contribute to constipation. Light exercise and Yoga is recommended to keep the bowel in good health.
- Certain medications such as – antacids, diuretics, and anesthetics also cause constipation.
- Irritable bowel syndrome is responsible for habitual constipation.