Constipation is when your stool stays in your colon for an extended period. Normally, people should have a bowl movement once or twice a day. Constipation can occur for all ages. The severity of constipation varies from person to person. Chronic constipation is not good because it can lead to other issues like nausea, back pain, headaches, etc.
What Causes Constipation?
- Hypothyroid
- IBS-C
- Food allergies
- Not having enough fiber
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Some Medications
- Holding your stool for too long
- Iron supplements
- Other supplements
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Dehydration
- Spinal cord injury
- Menstrual cycle
- Colon is folded on its self
Symptoms of Constipation
- Stomach ache
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Foul smelling flatulence
- Not feeling well
- Fatigue
- Anger
- Irritability
- Feeling bloated
Treatment Options
- Increasing fiber
- Removing food allergies like dairy and wheat
- Increase water intake
- Magnesium 200mg a day or more
- Triphala an herbal formula for the gut
- Talk to your doctor if your medications are causing constipation
- Enema
- Colonics
- Osmotic laxatives
- Smooth Move Tea
- Cassia Tea
Complication If Left Untreated
- Rectal bleeding
- Hemorrhoids
- Fecal impaction
Diagnose
- Blood Work
- X-ray
- Transit study times
- CT scans
When to See Your Doctor
- If you consistently aren’t having a bowel movement three times a week
- Blood in your stool
- Painful hemorrhoids
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Back Pain
- Anal pain/pressure