Constipation Symptoms

Constipation symptoms include stool dryness, difficulty passing stools and difficulty in finishing a bowel movement. In addition, you may feel bloated or nauseous becuase you have not had a bowel movement in several days. Chronic constipation affects about 2% of the population but almost everyone has a bout with it once in a while.

Although constipation symptoms can be a sign of a serious illness, they usually just indicate that you are not getting enough fiber or have poor dietary habits. Make no mistake, however, about the seriousness of constipation as bowel movements help your body remove toxins and chronic constipation lead to illness and possibly be linked to cancer.

What Is Normal Bowel Activity?

For some it is normal to have a bowel movement every day, for others 3 times a week is normal. Health advocates say the more the better since it can help prevent toxins from building. If you experience constipation symptoms or have a change in bowel activity, you should consult your doctor.

Getting Things Moving Naturally

Constipation can be prevented by eating right and exercising. If you are eating a lot of junk food and sugars or not drinking enough water, you may be experiencing constipation symptoms. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains which will add fiber and bulk to your stool and help to alleviate constipation. Drink lots of water and exercise regularly. Even adding just a few servings of fruits and vegetables to your daily menu can help to reduce instances of constipation and a daily walk can really get things moving!

Natural Remedies For Constipation Symptoms

To alleviate constipation, there are some good fiber products on the market - try to stick to natural products that contain flax or psyllium and avoid harsh laxatives. You can also use natural herbs such as aloe or it’s cousins buckthorn, frangula and senna which have natural laxative chemicals. Rhubarb has natural laxative qualities as well - very similar to senna in fact. Be careful with these as they can be very powerful!

Another natural way to relieve constipation symptoms is with herbs that add bulk to the stool. Flax seeds and psyllium are some common herbal remedies that can help move things along. These are included in a lot of packaged remedies but you can also buy the seeds separate. Make sure you drink lots of water if you take either one of these

Don't forget to consult your physician before taking any new remedy.

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