Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Constipation - Eat Better to Avoid It

Constipation is a term used for infrequent and difficult passing of stool. Constipation is a common problem and occurs due to various reasons.

This prevalent problem is due to an incorrect lifestyle and poor eating habits. Although constipation is often looked upon as a common prevalent problem, if not treated or if treatment is delayed, it can lead to further problems such as, piles, lack of appetite and indigestion.

The basic cause is weak digestive power that results from irregular and incorrect eating patterns, not taking in enough fluids, taking a diet that is low in fiber, lack of physical activity, and bowel evacuation habits that are poor.

What causes constipation?

The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this is considered to be normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but this pattern is seen in less than 50% of people. Moreover, most people have irregular patterns and do not have bowel movements every day or the same number of bowel movements each day.

Theoretically, constipation can be caused by the slow passage of digested food through any part of the intestine. Foods that are heavy and difficult to digest, as well as oily, spicy, fried, and junk foods are the reasons behind constipation. Eating food in a disturbed atmosphere or while watching television and being awake late at night all lead to bowel disturbance. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, fear, jealousy, and sorrow also play a vital role.

Symptoms of constipation

Delayed and difficult passing of stool is the main symptom of constipation. Incomplete evacuation of bowel may also be accompanied by pain in the stomach, heaviness of body, lack of appetite and indigestion.

How to treat constipation?

A change in lifestyle and eating habits can help you get rid of constipation. A little care has to be taken while you eat and what you eat.

Taking the following steps can help you out .Such as:

• Increase your intake of fiber, especially fruits and cooked vegetables.

• An apple or banana each day is helpful. Bananas should be ripe.

• Drink 7-8 glasses of water each day, preferably lukewarm in winters and room -temperature water in summers. It is very
helpful and the easiest remedy.

• Have a mid-morning soup, prepared with spinach and tomato.

• Take routine morning and evening walks for at least 20-30 minutes each.

• Eat whole grains and nuts.

• Avoid removing bran from the flour because the bran is an insoluble fiber that clears off the intestines and relieves in
constipation.

• Avoid refined foods like white flour, bread, pasta, pizza, white rice, etc. they are hard to digest.

• High -protein foods like cheese, red meat, and soybeans cause constipation, so these must be taken with a bowl of salad and
lots of liquids.

• Meat is constipating and should be avoided.

• Disturbing psychological factors should be removed, and meals should be taken in a relaxed and calm atmosphere.

• The food should be warm and freshly -prepared, as cold and stale food slows down the digestive power.

• Having excessively cold food like ice cream or chilled drinks reduces the bowel movement. And leads to constipation.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/constipation-eat-better-to-avoid-it-5964561.html

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