Constipation refers to infrequent or hard stools, or difficulty passing stools. Constipation is determined in the colon (large intestine), which is responsible for packaging and eliminating stool. Some people think they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, normal stool elimination may be three times a day or three times a week, depending on the person. Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, and a poor diet typically is the cause. Most constipation is temporary and not serious. Constipation may involve pain during the passage of a bowel movement, inability to pass a bowel movement after straining or pushing for more than 10 minutes, or no bowel movements after more than 3 days. Infants who are still exclusively breastfed may go 7 days without a stool. Constipation can also alternate with diarrhea. This pattern is more commonly considered as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.

Constipation also may make you feel bloated or sluggish or experience discomfort or pain. Constipation is most common in children and older people, and affects women more than men. Constipation in children can lead to soiling (enuresis and encopresis). Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits a year. Older people are 5 times more likely than younger people to develop constipation. But experts believe that older people become too concerned with having a daily bowel movement and that constipation in this age group is overestimated. Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by a combination of constipation and abdominal discomfort and/or pain. Medical authorities accept wide variations in toilet frequency as long as this does not cause any other symptoms. Defecating depends on dietary habits, exercise, fluid intake, and various other factors.

Most common causes of constipation are a diet low in fiber or a diet high in fats, such as cheese, eggs, and meats. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. Dyschezia syn(usually the result of suppressing defecation). Constipation occurs 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. As a result, stools can become hard and dry. As food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water from the food while it forms waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon then push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum it is solid, because most of the water has been absorbed. Treatment of Constipation-Children and adults should get enough fiber in their diet. Vegetables, fresh fruits, dried fruits, and whole wheat, bran, or oatmeal cereals are excellent sources of fiber. To reap the benefits of fiber, drink plenty of fluids to help pass the stool.

Constipation Home Remedy Tips

1.Drinking a glass of warm milk before going to bed helps in easy evacuation in the morning. In case of severe constipation, mix two teaspoons of castor oil in the milk.

2.Take 10 ? 12 calimyma figs and stew them in two glasses of distilled water (16 oz) for 10 minutes. Let them sit in this water overnight.

3.Spinach is a perfect vegetable oriented home remedy for constipation. The best is to eat it raw or else you can go in for 100 ml spinach juice mixed with an equal quantity of water and drink it twice in a day.

4.Drink one liter of warm water and walk around for a few minutes immediately after waking up early in the morning.

5.Bael fruit works wonders in treating constipation. Consume the fruit everyday for about 2-3 months.

6.Drinking lemon juice mixed with warm water two to three times a day eases constipation.

7.One or two teaspoons of aloe gel can be taken twice a day.

8.You can also use watered down Karo syrup or watered down prune juice in a bottle.

9.A common Ayurvedic medicine for constipation is Triphala Churna. It is a powder made by grinding three kinds of herbs. A teaspoon of this powder taken with warm water or milk at the time going to bed is beneficial.

10.Guava is another effective remedy for constipation. When eaten with seeds, it provides roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels. One or two guavas should be taken everyday.

11.Grapes have proved very beneficial in overcoming constipation. The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes make them a laxative food.

12.Mix 2 tsp husk seed (Isabgol) in 1/2 a cup of hot milk and drink immediately. Drink one cup of plain milk to follow.

13.The most important factor in curing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of unrefined foods such as wholegrain cereals, bran, honey, lentils, green and leafy vegetables, fresh and dry fruits, and milk products in the form of butter, ghee, and cream.