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Listen to Your Body and Going to The Potty

Constipation is the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in the USA and Western countries. There are at least 2.5 million doctor visits for constipation in the USA each year, and hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on laxatives per year.

What is Constipation?

Constipation  means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. Constipation most commonly occurs when the stool that forms after food is digested moves too slowly as it passes through the digestive tract. Change in diet , dehydration,certain drugs and sedantary lifestyle are frequently to blame. Also, poor coordination of the pelvic and anal muscles sometimes contribute to constipation which may cause bowel obstruction (blockage).
At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it usually lasts a short time; however, it can be pretty serious.  If you have any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from constipation.
1.      Hard and dry stool
2.      Painful and unpleasant discomfort during bowel movements
3.      Feeling of being unable to empty the bowels fully
4.      Loss of appetite due to a feeling of fullness
5.      Stool loos like small rocks etc..

There are many things you can do to prevent constipation. They include:

•       Eating more fruits, vegetables and grains, which are high in fiber
•       Drinking plenty of water and other liquids
•       Getting enough exercise
•       Taking time to have a bowel movement when you need to
•        There are different laxatives over the counter you can use but I really recommend that you talk to your doctor if you simply have to rely on them go the bathroom.
•       Asking your doctor if the medicines you take may cause constipation so he can prescribe something else for constipation.
Everyone’s body is different, you may go every day while someone else every other day. However, pay closed attention if your bowel habits change.

What can happen when things remain unclear?

Some tests may be done. The doctor may recommend an examination with a flexible viewing tube, either just the lower part of the large intestine (sigmoidoscopy) or (colonoscopy) for entire large intestine. This examination is important if the constipation developed suddenly or if it is worsening noticeably. So, listen to your body, do what you need to do, reflect on your lifestyle and talk frankly to your provider in order to receive proper treatment.