Constipation Introduction Constipation is defined as the passage of small dry bowel movements usually less than three times a week.  Many people at some point in their life will suffer from these symptoms. There is no set number of bowel movements that one should have weekly; however less than three a week is considered an irregularity.  In fact, constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions that Americans suffer from.  The reasons that one is constipated are multifactorial.  It can be secondary to a number of conditions; some related to lifestyle choices, while others result from an underlying medical condition. The following topics outlines some common causes: Low fiber intake Highly refined foods Dehydration Physical inactivity Inadequate exercise Long term bed rest Pregnancy Drugs/Medications Opiates Antidepressants Laxatives (chronic use) Anti-hypertensives Endocrine abnormalities Diabetes Low potassium stores Structural abnormalities Bowel diseases Irritable bowel syndrome Low potassium stores Neurogenic abnormalities Multiple sclerosis Parkinson's disease Enemas Click to Enlarge   Because there are so many causes of irregular bowels, it is very important that the onset of constipation be thoroughly investigated.  Often, there is a simple solution.  In some cases, however, a more serious condition such as a bowel obstruction or hypothyroidism (low functioning thyroid) needs to be ruled out first.   Most commonly, diet and lifestyle are big factors in those that suffer from constipation.  Sedentary and overactive lifestyles are a major contributor to the irregularity of bowel movement.  These inactive lifestyles may involve stationary jobs, where sitting for long periods of time is coupled with little or no physical activity; and where persons are consuming refined processed food.  Interestingly, fast paced lifestyles, with little time for relaxation, also contribute to constipation.  The normal rhythm of the digestive system is suppressed and many become dependent on a "digestive crutch," such as a morning latte or laxatives to stay regular.    Although the accepted medical definition of this condition is fewer than three bowel movements a week, if one is striving towards optimal health, one to three bowel movements per day may be considered optimal.  Dr. Denis Burkitt, the doctor that discovered Burkitt's lymphoma, made an interesting and important observation about his African patients during his time in Uganda and Kenya.  He noted that westerners have 3 to 21 bowel movements a week and the amount of stool passed is 85 to 150 grams/day (3 to 5 ounces), while Africans have 30 to 60 movements a week with a stool weight of 200 to 500 grams a day (7 to 17 ounces).  Most importantly, he noticed that the diseases he had been trained to treat in Scotland were largely absent among Africans. He saw no cases of type II diabetes, obesity, appendicitis, diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, dental caries, varicose veins, pulmonary embolism, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), or hiatal hernias. Upon the examination of more active cultures, he realized that it was common to have a bowel movement following each meal. [1]   The large intestine is home to vast amount of bacteria.  This normal bacteria, or microflora, is extremely important for the healthy functioning of the colon, detoxification processes in the body, and prevention of acute and chronic diseases. An imbalance in this flora and constipation often occur together, and it is often difficult to discover which one preceded the other.  Maintaining this environmental milieu can be achieved by supplementing with probiotics that ‘seed' the gut with the appropriate bacteria.  This is very important for those using antibiotics.  These medicines cause the degradation of both bad and good bacteria.  Probiotics may be equally beneficial after any gastrointestinal illness such as food poisoning, and in any condition that has digestive involvement.   Stress can also be a major contributing factor to constipation.  Digestion and defecation are controlled by our parasympathetic nervous system, or what is referred to as our ‘rest and digest' response.  When the body is under stress, be it emotional or physical, there is a predominance of the sympathetic nervous system and our ‘fight or flight' response.  Therefore, if we are under chronic stress, it interrupts intestinal motility and decreases interstitial motor activity resulting in a tendency towards constipation.     Constipation Signs and Symptoms   Signs and Symptoms of constipation may include: Bloating Gas/flatulence Abdominal pain Abdominal fullness Small stool Dry stool Stool that is hard to pass Anal fissures Hemorrhoids Irritable bowel syndrome/ spastic constipation Sensation of a need for a bowel movement without evacuation Fatigue Headaches Anorexia Constipation Statistics According to the 1991 National Health Interview Survey, about 4 1/2 million people in the United States say they are constipated most or all of the time. Women (non pregnant and pregnant), children and adults over the age of 65 where those that reported constipation most often.   Statistics show that between 1983 and 1987, constipation was the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States and likely still is. This resulted in about 2 million annual visits to the doctor. That being said, most people treat themselves instead of seeking medical attention, supported by the $725 million Americans spend on laxatives each year.[2]   Prevalence of Constipation: 4.4 million people in the USA 1983-87   Hospitalizations for Constipation: 100,000 people in the USA 1983-87   Physician office visits for Constipation: 2 million people in the US 1985    Prescriptions for Constipation: 1 million people in the USA 1985   Disability from Constipation: 13,000 people in the USA 1983-87   Deaths from Constipation: 29 deaths in the USA 1982-85   Learn More About Constipation Constipation Introduction Constipation Treatment Products helpful for Constipation   Learn More

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