Constipation Statistics

Constipation for adults affects 16% of the people worldwide, although it varies between different countries. It is particularly prevalent in people between the ages of 60 to 110 years of age. The Asian Pacific area and the Americans suffer twice as much constipation as the Europens.

Characteristics of Constipation

Constipation is more common for women, older adults, being dehydrated, a diet too low in fiber or if you are not getting much physical activity. Some medicines, such as sedatives, some antidepressants, opioid pain medications and some high blood pressure medications.

The cause of constipation for many people is unknown, and it is referred to as chronic idiopathic constipation.

Constipation typically has the following symptoms:

• Less than three bowel movements weekly

• Difficulty or pain passing stool

• Hard, dry or lumpy stools

• Discomfort if all the stool has not passed

Causes of some constipation may be:

• Medications

• Eat certain foods you do not tolerate

• Lifestyle choices

• Children who have lactose intolerance, so any cow’s milk product.

Natural Ways to Relieve Constipation

Frequent constipation can cause very negative effects on the quality of your life, and that means physically and on your mental health. There are some natural things you can do to alleviate constipation, and those include:

• Increase your water intake.

• Increase your fiber intake, which will increase the bulk and consistency of your bowel movements and make the movements easier to pass. Fiber is found in many vegetables, fruits, legumes and of course whole grains.

• Exercise has been shown to help in some medical studies.

• Drinking coffee can increase the urge for some people as it stimulates the muscles in the digestive system.

• Senna is an over-the-counter herbal laxative found in oral or rectal form. Senna contains glycosides, a plant compound that stimulates the nerves of the digestive system. It is not recommended for pregnant women, those breastfeeding or those with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Magnesium citrate is an osmotic laxative that is an over the counter product.

• Prunes or prune juice is a sorbitol, which is a sugar alcohol.

• Avoid dairy products if they cause constipation for you.

• Psyllium is a non-fermentable soluble fiber, and a 2020 medical study found it to be 3.4 times more effective than insoluble wheat bran.

Conclusion

There several ways to relieve constipation before resorting to strong laxatives that may cause cramping or even enemas. Making lifestyle changes should help an individual with chronic constipation, but it may not be an overnight result. Try the lifestyle changes over a period of time, and there are natural over-the-counter products as well. Probiotics and prebiotics from supplements and food can improve gut health.