Possible Symptoms
Passing fem than 3 stools pet weelt Insufficient dietary fibet ot fluid
Straining ineffectively Inadequate physical activity
Passing haid, dry stools Changes In toutlne (e9. travel, hospitalization)
Passing smalles than normal stools Psychological distress (eg. abuse, depression.
anxiety)
Staining undetgannents with water seepage Functional impairment
that passes around hardened feces
Feeling that evacuation is incomplete Colonic ot anorectal disorders
Feeling bloated Endocrine OI’ metabolic disorders
(eg. thyioid disease Ol' diabetes)
Neurologic disordets (eg. Parkinson's disease) Side effects from multiple medications
Tips how to prevent constipation
Eating foods rich in fiber.
Fiber is an essential element for a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps stool to more easily pass through the intestines. Consuming foods rich in fiber every day on a regular basis will help increase the overall health condition. Food sources rich in fiber include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Drinking enough water.
Most people who suffer from constipation are dehydrated. Water is very important in moving garbage or feces in the colon. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to prevent constipation. Water can help make stools softer so it will not cause pain in both the gut and when expelled through the anus.
Eat small meals but often.
Eating large meals at once can cause constipation. Therefore, it is recommended to eat small meals but often. Eat small meals 5-6 times can prevent constipation.
Limit foods and medications consumption that can cause constipation
There are some foods that can cause constipation, for example, is bread made from white wheat or dairy products, meat, eggs, cheese and processed foods. Medications such as antacids can also cause constipation. Therefore, limit your consumption of foods and drugs.
Regular exercise
The results showed that regular exercise can prevent constipation. Exercise for thirty minutes every day or 3-5 times a week can help the digestive system work more effectively and helps prevent constipation.
Do not delay, the desire to defecate
Sometimes many are choosing to put off going to the bathroom when the urge bowel appear for various reasons. Delaying a bowel movement can actually cause constipation.
Avoid drinks that can lead to dehydration.
Some drinks can cause dehydration such as soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Also avoid drinking too much alcohol, because it also has effect dehydration in the body. If the body is dehydrated the water present in the feces to be reabsorbed by the body, causing the stool becomes hard and lead to constipation.