Constipation

Constipation is a common condition that affects the digestive system, characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, even painful.

Here’s a breakdown of what happens during constipation:

  1. Slow transit: Normally, food moves through your digestive tract with the help of muscle contractions. In constipation, these contractions slow down, allowing stool to sit in the colon for too long.
  2. Water absorption: The colon absorbs water from stool as it moves through. With slow transit, the colon has more time to absorb water, making the stool dry and hard.
  3. Difficult passage: Dry, hard stool is difficult to push through the rectum and out of the body, leading to straining and discomfort.

Common symptoms of constipation include:

  • Fewer than three bowel movements per week
  • Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Feeling incompletely emptied after a bowel movement
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Feeling sluggish or gassy

Many factors can contribute to constipation, including:

  • Diet: Low fiber intake, dehydration, or excessive dairy or processed foods.
  • Lifestyle: Lack of exercise, sedentary job, or ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as pain relievers, iron supplements, or antidepressants.
  • Medical conditions: Hypothyroidism, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological disorders, and pregnancy.

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