What is Constipation?
One in five adults report that they have constipation.4
1. De Lillo AR and Rose S. Functional bowel disorders in the geriatric patient: Constipation, fecal impaction, and fecal incontinence. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95(4):901–5. 2. Mugie SM, Benninga MA and Di Lorenzo C. Epidemiology of constipation in children and adults: A systematic review. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2011;25(1):3–18. 3. Fosnes GS, Lydersen S and Ferup PG. Drugs and constipation in elderly in nursing homes: What is the relation? Gastroenterol Res Pract 2012;2012: 290231. 4. http://members.gesa.org.au/membes/files/Consumer%20Information/Constipation.pdf
Symptoms
- Few bowel movements
- Straining during bowel movements
- Hard or small stools
- Sense of incompleteness
- Swollen or abdominal pain
Some foods that increase constipation
- Dairy products
- Red meat
- Fast food
- Frozen meals
- Processed food
- Caffeine
- High-carbohydrate diet
Causes
- Drastic changes in diet or activities
- Not enough time
- Resisting the urge
- Pregnancy
- Low-fiber diet
- Not drinking enough water
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Some medications (ask your healthcare professional if you are in doubt)
- Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Stress and anxiety
If you have suffered from constipation for a long time, we recommend you visit your healthcare professional.