The elimination of waste products from the body is vital to optimum functioning. A problem with irregular bowel movements can cause the sufferer both mental and physical distress. Those afflicted may also be reluctant to discuss the problem with a health practitioner due to embarrassment about the subject. The problem may be quite easily remedied however. Here are a few of the most common causes and some simple cures.
Arguably one of the most common causes of irregular bowel movements is a lack of fiber in the diet. Many people eat a diet that consists mostly of highly-processed foods and that does not contain enough fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber. Try to eat plenty of raw high-fiber fruits and vegetables, such as cabbage; carrots and apples. Whenever possible, select non-processed foodstuffs such as whole-wheat bread or pasta and whole-grain rice instead of their white variants.
Another common cause of irregular bowel movements is dehydration. Not drinking enough fluids causes water to be reabsorbed from the feces making the stool hard and difficult to pass. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Warm liquids, like herbal teas for constipation or hot water with lemon, can also bring some relief.
A sedentary lifestyle is often a contributing factor to this condition. If you are lacking in exercise, some brisk aerobic exercise a few days a week may provide help with irregular bowel movements. Swimming; cycling and brisk walking can all be beneficial to improving digestion.
Constipation can be one side-effect of pregnancy. Among other reasons, hormones released during pregnancy relax smooth muscles in the body, including the intestines. Many pregnant women need to take an iron supplement which can make the problem worse. For relief; pregnant women should follow a healthy high-fiber diet; drink plenty of water and get sufficient exercise (always with the approval of their medical practitioner).
There may be many other factors that can affect the performance of the digestive system. These can include stress; a busy lifestyle or the effects of medication. Some foods, for example prunes; raisins and other dried fruit, are known to have a stool softening effect. If none of the remedies suggested above provide any relief it may be best to ask your doctor to prescribe a mild laxative. You should always consult a physician if the onset of constipation is sudden; if it is severe (less than one movement per week); becomes worse or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss.
Defined as less than three bowel movements per week, almost everybody will suffer from constipation at one time or another. Ideally, we should have one movement per day but this is true for less than half of all people! Usually, all it takes is a few simple dietary or lifestyle changes to get irregular bowel movements back on track.
Arguably one of the most common causes of irregular bowel movements is a lack of fiber in the diet. Many people eat a diet that consists mostly of highly-processed foods and that does not contain enough fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber. Try to eat plenty of raw high-fiber fruits and vegetables, such as cabbage; carrots and apples. Whenever possible, select non-processed foodstuffs such as whole-wheat bread or pasta and whole-grain rice instead of their white variants.
Another common cause of irregular bowel movements is dehydration. Not drinking enough fluids causes water to be reabsorbed from the feces making the stool hard and difficult to pass. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Warm liquids, like herbal teas for constipation or hot water with lemon, can also bring some relief.
A sedentary lifestyle is often a contributing factor to this condition. If you are lacking in exercise, some brisk aerobic exercise a few days a week may provide help with irregular bowel movements. Swimming; cycling and brisk walking can all be beneficial to improving digestion.
Constipation can be one side-effect of pregnancy. Among other reasons, hormones released during pregnancy relax smooth muscles in the body, including the intestines. Many pregnant women need to take an iron supplement which can make the problem worse. For relief; pregnant women should follow a healthy high-fiber diet; drink plenty of water and get sufficient exercise (always with the approval of their medical practitioner).
There may be many other factors that can affect the performance of the digestive system. These can include stress; a busy lifestyle or the effects of medication. Some foods, for example prunes; raisins and other dried fruit, are known to have a stool softening effect. If none of the remedies suggested above provide any relief it may be best to ask your doctor to prescribe a mild laxative. You should always consult a physician if the onset of constipation is sudden; if it is severe (less than one movement per week); becomes worse or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss.
Defined as less than three bowel movements per week, almost everybody will suffer from constipation at one time or another. Ideally, we should have one movement per day but this is true for less than half of all people! Usually, all it takes is a few simple dietary or lifestyle changes to get irregular bowel movements back on track.
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