Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders and it is experienced by most people at least once during their lives. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements. An individual who is suffering from constipation experiences difficulty in passing stools, passes hard stools or has no bowel movements for at least three days.

Many people believe that regular bowel movement is characterized by passing a stool at least once during each day. However, in reality, regular bowel movement can vary from passing stools three times each day to three times each week. Constipation is a temporary condition but it can be prolonged in some cases, especially in the elderly or in individuals who are suffering from certain chronic diseases.

Causes and Risk Factors

Lack or deficiency of fiber in the diet: Fiber maintains pliability in the stools and ensures that they pass smoothly. An ideal diet should contain 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day. However, this amount is difficult to consume because of the consumption of processed food that has replaced healthy food in modern diets. A small fiber intake leads to difficulty in passing stool which results in constipation.

Insufficient liquid intake: Liquids help to hydrate the colon and to digest the consumed food, which aids to complete the bowel movement. Liquids also prevent fecal matter from drying and hardening. Sufficient liquid intake, especially water and fresh fruit or vegetable juices, can help prevent and possibly cure constipation. However, those individuals who consume beverages such as coffee, tea, alcohol or soft drinks in excessive quantities can develop constipation because these drinks are dehydrating.