Constipation from Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be tremendously reduced or even eliminated with a prebiotic soluble fiber supplement such as Tummy Fiber Acacia, which will normalize bowel function while increasing healthy flora in the gut.
Abdominal bloating and stomach gas from constipation can be relieved and prevented by medicinal strength Fennel Tummy Tea.
Following the IBS Diet Cheat Sheet can also help constipation tremendously.
There are also numerous IBS constipation treatments.
Constipation - What is it?
Constipation is passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week. People who are constipated may find it difficult and painful to have a bowel movement. Other symptoms of constipation include feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.
At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. Poor diet and lack of exercise are usually the causes of short-term constipation. In most of these cases, constipation is temporary and not serious. Chronic, long-term constipation may occur from disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment of constipation will help most people find relief.
Constipation - Who gets it?
According to the 1996 National Health Interview Survey, about 3 million people in the United States have frequent constipation. Those reporting constipation most often are women and adults age 65 and over. Pregnant women may have constipation, and it is a common problem following childbirth or surgery.
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States, resulting in about 2 million doctor visits annually. However, most people treat themselves without seeking medical help, as is evident from the millions of dollars Americans spend on laxatives each year.
Constipation - What causes it?
To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through the colon, it absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.
The hard and dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. Common causes of constipation are:
*not enough fiber (soluble and insoluble) in the diet
*not enough liquids
*lack of exercise
*Irritable Bowel Syndrome
*changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel
*abuse of laxatives
*ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
*problems with the colon and rectum
*problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)
Not Enough Fiber in the Diet.
The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber and high in fats and animal protein found in meats, dairy, and eggs. People who eat plenty of high-fiber foods are less likely to become constipated, but fiber needs to be eaten carefully if you have constipation from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Fiber--both soluble and insoluble--is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestines almost unchanged. The bulk and soft texture of fiber help prevent hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Both forms of fiber are critical for relieving and preventing IBS constipation.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, Americans eat an average of 5 to 14 grams of fiber daily,* far short of the minimum 20 to 35 grams recommended by the American Dietetic Association.
A low-fiber diet also plays a key role in constipation among older adults, who may lose interest in eating and choose convenience foods low in fiber. In addition, difficulties with chewing or swallowing may force older people to eat soft foods that are processed and low in fiber.
*National Center for Health Statistics. Dietary Intake of Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Other Dietary Constituents: United States, 1988-94. Vital and Health Statistics, Series 11, number 245. July 2002.
Not Enough Liquids.
Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should drink enough of these liquids every day, at least eight 8-ounce glasses. Liquids that contain caffeine, like coffee and cola drinks, and alcoholic beverages, have a dehydrating effect. These liquids are also GI tract irritants, and can exacerbate constipation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Lack of Exercise.
Lack of exercise can lead to constipation. For example, constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise. A sedentary lifestyle is a major cause of constipation.
Some medications can cause constipation. They include:
*pain medications (especially narcotics)
*antacids that contain aluminum and calcium
*blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Some people with IBS, also known as spastic colon, have spasms in the colon that affect bowel movements. Constipation can predominate, or constipation and and diarrhea can alternate. Abdominal cramping, gassiness, and bloating are other common complaints. Dietary changes are highly effective for managing constipation from IBS.
Changes in Life or Routine.
During pregnancy, women may be constipated because of hormonal changes or because the heavy uterus compresses the intestine. Aging may also affect bowel regularity because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone. In addition, people often become constipated when traveling because their normal diet and daily routines are disrupted.
Abuse of Laxatives.
Myths about constipation have led to a serious abuse of laxatives. Laxatives usually are not necessary and can be habit-forming. The colon begins to rely on laxatives to bring on bowel movements. Over time, laxatives can damage nerve cells in the colon and interfere with the colon's natural ability to contract. For the same reason, regular use of enemas can also lead to a loss of normal bowel function.
Ignoring the Urge to Have a Bowel Movement.
People who ignore the urge to have a bowel movement may eventually stop feeling the urge, which can lead to constipation. Some people delay having a bowel movement because they do not want to use toilets outside the home. Others ignore the urge because of emotional stress or because they are too busy. Children may postpone having a bowel movement because of stressful toilet training or because they do not want to interrupt their play.
Diseases that cause constipation include neurological disorders, metabolic and endocrine disorders, and systemic conditions that affect organ systems. These disorders can slow the movement of stool through the colon, rectum, or anus.
Several kinds of diseases can cause constipation:
chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
spinal cord injuries
Metabolic and endocrine conditions
underactive or overactive thyroid gland
Problems with the Colon and Rectum
Intestinal obstruction, scar tissue (adhesions), diverticulosis, tumors, colorectal stricture, Hirschsprung's disease, or cancer can compress, squeeze, or narrow the intestine and rectum and cause constipation.
Problems with Intestinal Function (Chronic Idiopathic Constipation)
Some people have chronic constipation that does not respond to standard treatment. This rare condition, known as idiopathic (of unknown origin) chronic constipation, may be related to problems with intestinal function such as problems with hormonal control or with nerves and muscles in the colon, rectum, or anus. Functional constipation occurs in both children and adults and is most common in women.
Colonic inertia and delayed transit are two types of functional constipation caused by decreased muscle activity in the colon. These syndromes may affect the entire colon or may be confined to the lower or sigmoid colon.
Functional constipation that stems from abnormalities in the structure of the anus and rectum is known as anorectal dysfunction, or anismus. These abnormalities result in an inability to relax the rectal and anal muscles that allow stool to exit.
Constipation - What diagnostic tests are used?
Most people with constipation do not need extensive testing and can be treated with changes in diet and exercise. For example, in young people with mild symptoms, a medical history and physical examination may be all the doctor needs to suggest successful treatment. The tests the doctor performs depend on the duration and severity of the constipation, the person's age, and whether blood in stools, recent changes in bowel movements, or weight loss have occurred.
The doctor may ask a patient to describe his or her constipation, including duration of symptoms, frequency of bowel movements, consistency of stools, presence of blood in the stool, and toilet habits (how often and where one has bowel movements). A record of eating habits, medication, and level of physical activity or exercise will also help the doctor determine the cause of constipation.
The clinical definition of constipation is any two of the following symptoms for at least 12 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) in the previous 12 months:
straining during bowel movements
lumpy or hard stool
sensation of incomplete evacuation
sensation of anorectal blockage/obstruction
fewer than three bowel movements per week
A physical exam may include a rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to evaluate the tone of the muscle that closes off the anus (anal sphincter) and to detect tenderness, obstruction, or blood. In some cases, blood and thyroid tests may be necessary to look for thyroid disease and serum calcium or to rule out inflammatory, neoplastic, metabolic, and other systemic disorders.
Extensive testing usually is reserved for people with severe symptoms, for those with sudden changes in number and consistency of bowel movements or blood in the stool, and for older adults.
Additional tests that may be used to evaluate constipation include:
*colorectal transit study
*anorectal function tests
Because of an increased risk of colorectal cancer in older adults, the doctor may use tests to rule out a diagnosis of cancer, including:
*barium enema x ray
*sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy
Colorectal transit study. This test, reserved for those with chronic constipation, shows how well food moves through the colon. The patient swallows capsules containing small markers that are visible on an x ray. The movement of the markers through the colon is monitored with abdominal x rays taken several times 3 to 7 days after the capsule is swallowed. The patient follows a high-fiber diet during the course of this test.
Anorectal function tests. These tests diagnose constipation caused by abnormal functioning of the anus or rectum (anorectal function). Anorectal manometry evaluates anal sphincter muscle function. For this test, a catheter or air-filled balloon inserted into the anus is slowly pulled back through the sphincter muscle to measure muscle tone and contractions.
Defecography is an x ray of the anorectal area that evaluates completeness of stool elimination, identifies anorectal abnormalities, and evaluates rectal muscle contractions and relaxation. During the exam, the doctor fills the rectum with a soft paste that is the same consistency as stool. The patient sits on a toilet positioned inside an x ray machine and then relaxes and squeezes the anus to expel the paste. The doctor studies the x rays for anorectal problems that occurred as the paste was expelled.
Barium enema x ray. This exam involves viewing the rectum, colon, and lower part of the small intestine to locate any problems. This part of the digestive tract is known as the bowel. This test may show intestinal obstruction and Hirschsprung's disease, a lack of nerves within the colon.
The night before the test, bowel cleansing, also called bowel prep, is necessary to clear the lower digestive tract. The patient drinks a special liquid to flush out the bowel. A clean bowel is important, because even a small amount of stool in the colon can hide details and result in an incomplete exam.
Because the colon does not show up well on x rays, the doctor fills it with barium, a chalky liquid that makes the area visible. Once the mixture coats the inside of colon and rectum, x rays are taken that reveal their shape and condition. The patient may feel some abdominal cramping when the barium fills the colon, but usually feels little discomfort after the procedure. Stools may be a whitish color for a few days after the exam.
Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. An examination of the rectum and lower (sigmoid) colon is called a sigmoidoscopy. An examination of the rectum and entire colon is called a colonoscopy.
The patient usually has a liquid dinner the night before a sigmoidoscopy and takes an enema early the next morning. A light breakfast and a cleansing enema an hour before the test may also be necessary.
To perform a sigmoidoscopy, the doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a light on the end called a sigmoidoscope to view the rectum and lower colon. First, the doctor examines the rectum with a gloved, lubricated finger. Then, the sigmoidoscope is inserted through the anus into the rectum and lower colon. The procedure may cause a mild sensation of wanting to move the bowels and abdominal pressure. Sometimes the doctor fills the colon with air to get a better view. The air may cause mild cramping.
To perform a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a flexible tube with a light on the end called a colonoscope to view the entire colon. This tube is longer than a sigmoidoscope. The same bowel cleansing used for the barium x ray is needed to clear the bowel of waste. The patient is lightly sedated before the exam. During the exam, the patient lies on his or her side and the doctor inserts the tube through the anus and rectum into the colon. If an abnormality is seen, the doctor can use the colonoscope to remove a small piece of tissue for examination (biopsy). The patient may feel gassy and bloated after the procedure.
What are constipation treatments?
Although treatment depends on the cause, severity, and duration, in most cases dietary and lifestyle changes will help relieve symptoms of constipation and help prevent it.
A diet with enough fiber (20 to 35 grams each day, minimum) helps form soft, bulky stools. It's crucial for IBS constipation that the diet be based on soluble fiber, with the careful incorporation of insoluble fiber foods. Trigger foods should also be completely avoided.
Other changes that can help treat and prevent constipation include drinking enough water and other liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups, engaging in daily exercise, and reserving enough time to have a bowel movement. In addition, the urge to have a bowel movement should not be ignored. Yoga is a particularly beneficial form of exercise for constipation. Hypnotherapy is highly effective for IBS constipation.
Treatment may be directed at a specific cause. For example, the doctor may recommend discontinuing medication or performing surgery to correct an anorectal problem such as rectal prolapse.
People with chronic constipation caused by anorectal dysfunction can use biofeedback to retrain the muscles that control release of bowel movements. Biofeedback involves using a sensor to monitor muscle activity that at the same time can be displayed on a computer screen, allowing for an accurate assessment of body functions. A health care professional uses this information to help the patient learn how to use these muscles.
Surgical removal of the colon may be an option for people with severe symptoms caused by colonic inertia. However, the benefits of this surgery must be weighed against possible complications, which include abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Can constipation be serious?
Sometimes constipation can lead to complications. These complications include hemorrhoids caused by straining to have a bowel movement or anal fissures (tears in the skin around the anus) caused when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle. As a result, rectal bleeding may occur, appearing as bright red streaks on the surface of the stool. Treatment for hemorrhoids may include warm tub baths, ice packs, and application of a special cream to the affected area. Treatment for anal fissure may include stretching the sphincter muscle or surgical removal of tissue or skin in the affected area.
Sometimes straining causes a small amount of intestinal lining to push out from the anal opening. This condition, known as rectal prolapse, may lead to secretion of mucus from the anus. Usually eliminating the cause of the prolapse, such as straining or coughing, is the only treatment necessary. Severe or chronic prolapse requires surgery to strengthen and tighten the anal sphincter muscle or to repair the prolapsed lining.
Constipation may also cause hard stool to pack the intestine and rectum so tightly that the normal pushing action of the colon is not enough to expel the stool. This condition, called fecal impaction, occurs most often in children and older adults. An impaction can be softened with mineral oil taken by mouth and by an enema. After softening the impaction, the doctor may break up and remove part of the hardened stool by inserting one or two fingers into the anus.
Points to remember about constipation
Constipation affects almost everyone at one time or another.
The most common causes of constipation are poor diet, insufficient water intake, and lack of exercise.
Additional causes of constipation include medications, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, abuse of laxatives, and specific diseases.
A medical history and physical examination may be the only diagnostic tests needed before the doctor suggests treatment.
In most cases, following these simple tips will help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence of constipation:
*Eat a soluble fiber-based diet with the careful incorporation of insoluble fiber.
*Drink plenty of liquids.
*Set aside time after breakfast or dinner for undisturbed visits to the toilet.
*Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
*Understand that normal bowel habits vary.
*Whenever a significant change in bowel habits occurs, check with a doctor.
Help for constipation
If you feel confident that your constipation is a symptom of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, learn all you need to know about this disorder with The First Year: IBS, an essential guide to successfully managing the disorder. It's also a good idea to begin using a prebiotic soluble fiber supplement such as Acacia Tummy Fiber to help regulate GI muscle contractions and the water content of your bowel, as well as to increase your good gut flora.
For many people, the herb fennel is extremely helpful for bloating in association with constipation, and it carries no risks or side effects.
IBS Constipation Diet Cheat Sheet
Constipation information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, NIH
Learn Constipation Trigger Foods
- Safe Foods For Constipation
- Soluble Vs. Insoluble Fiber
- 10 Commandments of Eating for IBS
- More for IBS Constipation!
Excerpted from Eating for IBS.