Constipation is a common digestive issue which causes a difficulty in bowel movements.

If you are only capable of less than three bowel movements a week, you are considered constipated. This is very common and can happen to anyone at any point of time. The main reason for constipation is low fiber. Inadequate amounts of fluids and ignoring the urge to go can be reasons too.

Apart from this, there are many causes for this situation.

The Causes Of Constipation
The causes of constipation are many. Some of the most common reasons which lead to constipation are:
Improper diet: Lack of fiber in your diet may lead to hard stools. Consumption of a large amount animal fats and low fiber leads to constipation.
Lack of enough liquids: Inadequate intake of liquids leads to hard and dry stools. The liquids get absorbed by intestines and are not passed to the colon. Enough amount of water is necessary to soften your stools. A lack of water makes the stools harder and less frequent.
Caffeine and alcohol: Excess intake of caffeine, alcohol leads to dehydration. Dehydration, in turn, leads to constipation due to lack of enough amount of fluids restrained in the stool.
Change in usual diet and activities: Sometimes, a change in your regular schedule for longer periods also takes a toll on stool process. When your stools slow down, check your diet and routine activities.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy medication like iron and calcium tablets may affect your bowel movements. Continuous usage of iron and calcium tablets will lead to constipation. It may cause severe pain which appears like a sharp pain, stabbing or cramp, in the abdomen.
Painkillers: Excessive use of painkillers will dry the liquids in the body. This leads to dehydration which is the main reason for fewer and harder bowel movements.
Stress: Stress creates hormonal changes in the body. Hormones have their effect in the body functioning. Alteration in the body functioning may lead to hard stools.
Lack of exercise: If the body lacks physical exercises, it becomes stiff and produces bad fats. This condition leads to improper digestion and thus irregular stools. This develops into constipation.
Overuse of laxatives: Using laxatives than the prescribed period of time makes your body dependent on them. The body would lack proper functioning without them. It is better to avoid using such bowel stimulating medicines for longer times as it affects them in a bad way.
Depression: Depression slows down the complete body’s normal processes. This may also include bowel movements. This condition for longer time leads to constipation.

Precautions

You can include lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber in your regular diet. Consume enough amounts of liquids help in restoring water in the colon. Drink 2“3 extra glasses of water than the required water. Drinking warm water early in the morning helps as this aids in softening the stool. Never use medicines unless they are necessary or prescribed by the doctor. Try natural ways and home remedies to reduce pain instead of painkillers.