* Primary : Primary or functional constipation is ongoing symptoms for greater than six months not due to any underlying cause such as medication side effects or an underlying medical condition. It is not associated with abdominal pain thus distinguishing it from irritable bowel syndrome. It is the most common cause of constipation.
* Diet : Constipation can be caused or exacerbated by a low fiber diet, low liquid intake, or dieting.
* Medication : Many medications have constipation as a side effect. Some include (but are not limited to); opioids (e.g. common pain killers), diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, and aluminum antacids. Stopping foods are banana, biscuit, blueberry juice, cinnamon, white rice, long-drawn tea, toast, red wine.
* Metabolic & muscular : Metabolic and endocrine problems which may lead to constipation include: hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease. Constipation is also common in individuals with muscular and myotonic dystrophy.
* Structural and functional abnormalities : Constipation has a number of structural (mechanical, morphological, anatomical) causes, including: spinal cord lesions, Parkinsons, colon cancer, anal fissures, proctitis, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Constipation also has functional (neurological) causes, including anismus, descending perineum syndrome, and Hirschsprung's disease. In infants, Hirschsprung's disease is the most common medical disorder associated with constipation. Anismus occurs in a small minority of persons with chronic constipation or obstructed defecation.
== Home remedies ==
* Make it a habit to use high-fiber foods such as wholemeal bread and other wholemeal products (eg muesli, oatmeal), legumes, vegetables (300 g per day) and fruit (2 pieces per day). A high-fiber daily menu contains about 30 grams of fiber per day. A cold potato or pasta salad can also have a beneficial effect on bowel function.* Drink enough (1,5 to 2 liters per day). Without sufficient moisture, the fibers can not do their job in the colon. Fibers retain moisture so that the stool gets more volume and becomes softer.* Drinking a glass of (lukewarm) water on an empty stomach (by volume) or a cup of coffee can be extra helpful.* Laxative foods are also buttermilk, yogurt, gingerbread, syrup, citrus juice, wallnuts, dried prunes. Choose fruits that have edible peels since it is rich in fiber. You could also choose berries and raisins.* [[Bananas]] are yummy fruits that are also good for the tummy Take sufficient and one of the major problems our tummy might encounter is constipation. This is primarily caused by regular exercise, walk around a low fiber intake. If you are constipatedblock more often during lunch break, then opt for ripe bananas since they contain higher amounts go on foot instead of fiber more than taking the unripe ones, thus helping in alleviating constipation. The fiber can also help in pushing car and the bowel as it travels through stairs instead of the intestines, promoting normal bowel movementelevator.
* [[Dandelion]] is used as a bitter tonic in atonic dyspepsia, and as a mild laxative in habitual constipation.
* One and a half cups of live-culture yogurt (high in gut-friendly bacteria) pushes food more efficiently through the gastrointestinal tract, says a 2002 study in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. The beneficial bacteria also improve your gut's ability to digest beans and dairy lactose, which can cause gas.
* Choosing Whole Grains over processed carbohydrates will help you with your constipation and prevent you from having one.
* Beans, Peas, Lentils offers you not only fiber but also vitamins, minerals and protein.
* [[Senna]] has been approved as a nonprescription natural cleansing and detoxifying laxativethat stimulates evacuation of built-up feces in your colon and moves stool out smoothly.
* Sugarless gum can also ease constipation.
* [[Psyllium Husk]] is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter constipation products, since it is a high source of fiber and it acts as a bulk-forming laxative.
* [[Cascara]] Sagrada contains a high amount of an active ingredient called "cascarosides." Cascarosides are the nutrients that can TRIGGER your colon muscles to make the contractions you need to move your stool along.
* Black walnut Bark is a perfect complement to cascara for restoring your colon's health.
== Warnings ==
Some laxatives, tea and herbs can make the intestine lazy, so that in the long run you get more problems with blockage. If no improvement after a few weeks or if you have other symptoms besides constipation, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
== References ==
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[[Category:Diseases]]
[[Category:XGastroenterology]]