Do you have chronic constipation?

Your permanent solution to relieving constipation

- CHESHIRE QUE, RND, RN, RD

How often do you move your bowels in a week? Is your stool hard to pass?

Do you find yourself having to strain just to excrete your stool? Many people suffer from painful defecation just because they are constipated. Others even get flareups and hemorrhoids. This can be depressing or even scary for some, as it could affect one’s mental state, daily activities, and productivity. If you are one of them, it is time to take charge of your bowel habits. Do not think that you will never find relief from chronic constipation because there is a solution to your problem. If the frequency of your bowel movement is less than three times a week or if the stool comes out hard and dry, then you are likely to be constipated.

We all know that we need to watch our water intake in order to keep well hydrated, to soften the stool, and make it easier to pass. However, if you are drinking enough water and still fail to move your bowels, take a look at some of the obstacles to better bowel movement.

You probably consume too much salt in your diet. Sodium absorbs water in the body. This will draw water away from the colon or large intestines, where the stool is formed. Thus, leaving the stool hard and dry.

You probably consume too much sugar from refined carbohydrates like white bread, crackers, cookies, cakes, pastries, chips, sugary beverages, candies, chocolates, ice cream, and other dairy products and the like. These do not just contain sugar but also fat. Sugar and fat both slow down digestion and affect the frequency of bowel movement.