Being Full of Crap (Constipated) Can Ruin You Mentally and Physically If You Don't Get Rid Of It!

Constipation is a topic we really don't like to talk about. I have suffered from this problem and it was painful and frustrating. We all get constipated at some time during our lives. It affects 2% of the population in the U.S. Women and the elderly are more commonly affected. Constipation is usually not serious but it can be a concern. What is Constipation? Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. Some people have bowel movements three times a day; others, only one or two times a week. Going loner than three days without a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass. You are considered constipated if you have two or more of the following for at least 3 months: 1. Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time.rn2. Hard stools more than 25% of the time.rn3. Incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time.rn4. Two or fewer bowel movements in a week. What Causes constipation? Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a structural problem. Here are some common causes of constipation: 1. Not enough water intake.rn2. Not enough fiber in the diet.rn3. Suspension of regular diet or routine; traveling.rn4. Eating large amounts of dairy products.rn5. Stress.rn6. Resisting the urge to have bowel movement which is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids.rn7. Overuse of laxatives which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles.rn8. Hypothyroidism. (Hypothyroidism means your thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormone.)rn9. Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.rn10. Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills). In some cases, lack of good nerve and muscle function in the bowel may also be a cause of constipation. If you have constipation for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor so he or she can determine the source of your problem and treat it. Most patients with constipation don't have any obvious illness to explain their symptoms and suffer from one of two problems: 1. Colonic inertia - A condition in which the colon contracts poorly and retains stool.rn2. Obstructed defecation - A condition in which the person excessively strains to expel stool from the rectum. How to Prevent Constipation! 1. Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Fiber and water help the colon pass stool. A good source of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal (bran is especially good).rn2. Drink 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day. Avoid liquids that contain caffeine, it has a dehydrating effect on your system.rn3. Exercise regularly.rn4. Move your bowels when you feel the urge. What Should You Do If You Are Constipated? 1. Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day (unless fluid restricted).rn2. Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.rn3. Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.rn4. Eat prunes and/or bran cereal. What I take When Constipated! I don't like taking laxatives of any kind. I like taking alternative remedies for minor problems to alleviate the different problems that may arise. I take Triphala which is an ancient herbal blend and is used in the Ayurvedic system of healing. Triphala, meaning "three fruits," is made from the fruits of three trees that grow throughout India and the Middle East, including amalaki fruit (Embelica officinalis), bibhitaki fruit (Terminalia belerica), and haritaki fruit (Terminalia chebula). In preparing triphala, these fruits are dried, ground into powder, and then blended together according to the precise directions of Ayrurvedic tradition. I won’t get in detail about