Constipation is a common condition affecting millions of people, particularly women. In general, constipation means having bowel movements less often than usual. Stool may be hard and dry and painful or difficult to pass. Everyone has their own particular pattern of bowel movements, and they vary widely from three times a day to as few as three times a week. Suspect constipation when there is a noticeable change in your normal pattern.

Causes of Constipation

Almost everyone has an occasional brief bout of constipation that corrects itself within a few days without any special treatment. Here are some of the most common causes of constipation and what you can do about them.

• Poor diet – You need a well-balanced diet that includes foods that are high in fiber such as cereals, whole-grain breads, fresh fruit and vegetables. You also need to consume lots of fluids, particularly water. Water and undigestible fiber add bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass.
• Exercise – Regular exercise will help to tone up muscles and promote regular bowel function. This may be especially important after pregnancy or whenever abdominal muscles are lax.
• Poor bowel habits – The body usually signals when it’s time to have a bowel movement, but some women ignore the urge. Always respond to the urge to use the toilet. It may be helpful to get into a routine of having bowel movements at a particular time of the day, preferably after breakfast. This is a good time because food entering an empty stomach stimulates normal intestinal contractions.
• Overuse of laxatives – If you use chemical laxatives too often, your body may become dependent on them. Eventually, the bowel may fail to respond, and you may be tempted to take even more. This may damage the bowel and make the problem worse. In most cases, laxatives should be the last resort and taken only under your healthcare provider’s supervision. Your healthcare provider is best qualified to determine when a laxative is needed and which type is best for you.

There are many other causes of constipation including changes in your customary diet or lifestyle routine, stress, and the use of medicines to treat other conditions. During pregnancy, changes in your hormones or pressure from the developing fetus may slow down bowel function.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Although it may be bothersome or somewhat uncomfortable, constipation itself usually is not serious. However, if constipation remains after common sense treatment, it might be a sign of an underlying disease. If symptoms are severe, last longer than three weeks, or are disabling in any way, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Good Sources of Dietary Fiber

Breads, Cereals and Other Grain Products

Replace white bread with whole-grain breads and cereals. Two slices of bread (multi-grain, pumpernickel, rye, whole-wheat), one whole-wheat bagel, or one bran or whole-wheat muffin will provide 2 grams of dietary fiber.

Fruits and Vegetables

Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Fruits that are high in fiber include apples, berries, dates, figs, oranges, pears, prunes and raisins. Vegetables that are high in fiber include broccoli, Brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, peas and potatoes. Each piece of fruit or each one-half cup serving of the other foods listed will provide at least 2 grams of dietary fiber.

Legumes

Beans of all kinds, including black-eyed peas, calico, chickpeas, lima, Mexican, pinto, red or white kidney beans are excellent sources of fiber. Each one-half cup serving contains at least 2 grams.

The National Cancer Institute recommends that Americans consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day, but not more than 35 grams.

This information is provided to you as an educational service by your healthcare provider and Organon Inc.

Return to List