The final stages of digestion take place in the colon. There, water from
the undigested food is gradually reabsorbed until a solid stool is formed. The
stool is pushed through the digestive tract by small muscle contractions known
as peristalsis. Constipation can occur if too much water is absorbed or if
peristalsis is slowed. Constipation can also be caused by a diet low in fiber
or emotional stress.
But constipation also has other, less- well - known causes, including certain medications and supplements, as well as potentially serious medical conditions.
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, slows the body’s metabolic processes—even the gut.
Not everyone with an underactive thyroid has constipation, nor do all cases of constipation mean that the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck is underperforming. Still, if you're young and constipated more than normal ask your Dr. to check your thyroid level.
Painkillers, specifically narcotics, can cause constipation.
Vitamins in general won’t cause constipation, but certain components, such as calcium and iron, can be a problem.
Laxative overuse
Some laxatives work by stimulating bowel activity. Such stimulant laxatives should be taken only as directed.
If used for long periods of time, stimulant laxatives can lead to dependence, meaning your body simply won’t function properly without them.
Antidepressants
Constipation can be associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine).
However, constipation is more of a problem with older tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline).
Antacids are great for fighting heartburn, but some can cause constipation, particularly those containing calcium or aluminum.
Blood pressure and allergy meds
Constipation can be a side effect of some common drugs used to treat high blood pressure, such as calcium channel blockers and diuretics. Diuretics, for instance, lower blood pressure by increasing urine output, which flushes water from your system. However, water is needed to keep stools soft and get them out of the body.
Antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms can be a problem too.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two chronic conditions—Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both can cause cramping, weight loss, bloody stools, and other health problems.
Chronic diarrhea is a common symptom of both. However constipation can be a problem too.
Childbirth
Constipation is common during pregnancy, but childbirth itself can be a problem, possibly due to sluggish abdominal muscles or perhaps the use of pain relievers or an anesthetic during the delivery.
Diabetes and neurological conditions
Diabetes can cause nerve damage that can affect a person’s ability to digest food.
Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can cause constipation. Usually, though, this goes with another symptom such as trouble urinating, double vision, or a gait problem.
Acupressure, tea, and probiotics can really work to cure your tummy woes.
Here it is...a few tips from my friend +Dr. John Cassone
2 Week Fruit and Veggie Cleanse - give it a try here:
http://plus.google.com/u/0/+JohnCassonePhD/posts/ZxMf5uVpQ4a
Know more:
http://www.medicinenet.com/constipation/article.htm
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20452199,00.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/basics/symptoms/con-20032773
Video source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdijh32NiLs
But constipation also has other, less- well - known causes, including certain medications and supplements, as well as potentially serious medical conditions.
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, slows the body’s metabolic processes—even the gut.
Not everyone with an underactive thyroid has constipation, nor do all cases of constipation mean that the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck is underperforming. Still, if you're young and constipated more than normal ask your Dr. to check your thyroid level.
Painkillers, specifically narcotics, can cause constipation.
Vitamins in general won’t cause constipation, but certain components, such as calcium and iron, can be a problem.
Laxative overuse
Some laxatives work by stimulating bowel activity. Such stimulant laxatives should be taken only as directed.
If used for long periods of time, stimulant laxatives can lead to dependence, meaning your body simply won’t function properly without them.
Antidepressants
Constipation can be associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine).
However, constipation is more of a problem with older tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline).
Antacids are great for fighting heartburn, but some can cause constipation, particularly those containing calcium or aluminum.
Blood pressure and allergy meds
Constipation can be a side effect of some common drugs used to treat high blood pressure, such as calcium channel blockers and diuretics. Diuretics, for instance, lower blood pressure by increasing urine output, which flushes water from your system. However, water is needed to keep stools soft and get them out of the body.
Antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms can be a problem too.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two chronic conditions—Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both can cause cramping, weight loss, bloody stools, and other health problems.
Chronic diarrhea is a common symptom of both. However constipation can be a problem too.
Childbirth
Constipation is common during pregnancy, but childbirth itself can be a problem, possibly due to sluggish abdominal muscles or perhaps the use of pain relievers or an anesthetic during the delivery.
Diabetes and neurological conditions
Diabetes can cause nerve damage that can affect a person’s ability to digest food.
Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can cause constipation. Usually, though, this goes with another symptom such as trouble urinating, double vision, or a gait problem.
Acupressure, tea, and probiotics can really work to cure your tummy woes.
Here it is...a few tips from my friend +Dr. John Cassone
2 Week Fruit and Veggie Cleanse - give it a try here:
http://plus.google.com/u/0/+JohnCassonePhD/posts/ZxMf5uVpQ4a
Know more:
http://www.medicinenet.com/constipation/article.htm
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20452199,00.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/basics/symptoms/con-20032773
Video source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdijh32NiLs
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