Constipation is seldom an easy topic to talk about. However, it’s worth some serious discussion if it is starting to interfere with the overall health and quality of your everyday life. Constipation is something that happens to all of us, and for a variety of different reasons. Specialized gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, Dr. Siamak Tabib, wants you to understand exactly what causes constipation and what you need to do about it when it occurs.
Constipation Definition
Let’s first talk about the definition of constipation. Understanding what it is exactly, and how it comes to be, can help you figure out what you need to do about it. Constipation is a digestive system condition where it is difficult to expel feces from the body. In other words, if you have trouble going to the bathroom when it’s time for a bowel movement, it’s likely that you are constipated.
But what causes constipation, exactly? Why does this happen sometimes and not others?
What Causes Constipation?
The main reason for constipation is because the colon absorbs too much water from the food being digested. This clogs the system process and causes fecal matter to get stuck. This is a painful or uncomfortable experience for most.
Other factors may lead to the development of constipation as well. They include:
- Diet. Having a certain kind of diet that is low in fiber and heavy in fats can exacerbate the constipation process, and those with poor diets may experience constipation more often.
- Age. Unfortunately, bodies don’t function as well as they used to as we start to get older. Age can definitely contribute to the complications, although there are treatment methods available.
- Inactivity. Sitting around too much without exercising your body can cause things to get clogged in your digestive tract. Dr. Tabib recommends a healthy regimen of diet and exercise to avoid making constipation a commonality.
- Medication. Some medication can cause imbalances in the digestive tract, leading to increased constipation.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If you’re known to have IBS, you may get constipated more frequently.
Constipation Treatment Options
Now that you understand what causes constipation, what exactly can be done about it? What are the best ways to treat constipation and ensure that it doesn’t happen again moving forward?
A recent Medical News Today article suggested to let the matter resolve itself on its own, which in most cases can be a good way to treat it. Sometimes, constipation just needs time to go away, and soon you will go back to having regular bowel movements.
However, if you are constipated due to a poor diet or physical inactivity, a better action plan might be needed. You can visit with Dr. Tabib to develop a new plan and a lifestyle change, helping you consume fiber-rich foods and exercise so your system is able to function a lot more smoothly.
You can also try alternative treatment methods such as consuming more water and fiber. Set aside more time to go to the bathroom. Surprisingly, most adults in the U.S. do not dedicate enough time to defecation. Sometimes, it can be a slow process. Make sure you do yourself the favor of scheduling some bathroom time.
Gastroenterology Los Angeles
If your constipation issues are bothering you, and you’re in need of some immediate assistance or relief, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We may be able to start you on a proactive plan to ensure your symptoms don’t return. Laxatives might be prescribed, as well as a healthier exercise regimen. To learn more, please reach out to us online or give us a call at (310) 683-4911 to make an appointment!
