by Matthew Johnson

Created on: May 02, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

Constipation is one of those things that people don't like to talk about. It is often viewed as a private issue and many feel a little embarrassed to ask someone about it. If you are one such person, you've come to the right place. In this article I will cover many of the common causes of constipation, ways to deal with it, complications that may occur, and when one should speak with their doctor.

Constipation happens to us all at one time or another. It results in an average of 2.5 million doctor visits every year. It is commonly defined as having a bowel movement less than three times a week. Bowel movements during constipation may have dry, hard stools that may be painful or difficult to pass. Those with constipation may complain of feelings of full bowels even after a bowel movement, straining when trying to go to the bathroom and a feeling of being bloated. Constipation generally occurs because the intestines draw too much water from stool as it passes through the colon resulting in hard dry stools that become increasingly difficult to pass.

Many people believe that if they don't have a bowel movement every day, that they are constipated. This is usually not the case. The normal range can be anywhere from three times a day to three times a week. It can differ from person to person but anywhere in that range is generally considered normal. Constipation is most often temporary and usually not serious. Knowing what causes it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it can help bring relief to those who need it.

Constipation is not a disease, but a symptom of something else that could be wrong. Most often, it is the result of a poor diet. Diets that are high in fat and and low in fiber are one of the most common causes. Fiber is a necessary part of a healthy diet. Fiber, both soluble and insoluble, is the part in grains, fruits, and vegetables that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and becomes soft and gel-like as it moves through the digestive system. Insoluble fiber like, for example, those corn kernels we have all seen from time to time, passes through the digestive system relatively unchanged. According to a study from the National Center for Health Statistics, the average Americans daily intake of fiber ranges from 5 to 14 grams. This falls short of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommended 20 to 35 grams of daily intake. With the rush of daily life, many of us are quick to eat foods that are highly refined or processed

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