Constipation has several different meanings to people. It may mean a hard bowel movement, bowel movements infrequently, or difficulty in having a bowel movement. When talking to your Nurse Practitioner, Physician, or Physician Assistant, it is important to describe what is happening if constipation is a problem for you.
The amount of time it takes for food to be eliminated from the body can be related to how much fiber and fluid is consumed. People who have a diet high in fiber may have twice as many bowel movements as people who eat a low fiber diet. Exercise is also important. The lack of certain minerals such as potassium or too much of certain minerals such as calcium may also cause constipation.
Many prescription and non-prescription medications can cause problems. Laxatives, if overused, may have the reverse effect and cause constipation. Other causes include hypothyroidism, diabetes, mechanical obstruction, and other intestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Normal bowel function can be restored in most people. It requires a proper mental attitude, some patience, and a few of the following steps: