Constipation

Definition of Constipation:

Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.

Also: Constipated

Topics Related to Constipation

Abdominal Hernia

...the condition
“...Examples include obesity, lifting heavy objects, constipation, smoking, poor nutrition or persistent coughing...”

Acupuncture

...as a treatment
“...Commonly treated conditions ... Constipation...”
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More topics Related to Constipation

Acute, Intermittent Porphyria

...the condition
“...Additional symptoms can be loss of vision, sensitivity to light, aches and pains, acne, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and abnormal fat metabolism...”

Adrenal Insufficiency

...related topic
“...Symptoms include primarily fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite with ensuing weight loss, as well as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, or increased pigmentation of the skin...”

Anorexia / Starvation Tendency

...the condition
“...Low potassium levels can cause arrhythmia, constipation, fatigue, muscle damage, and even paralysis...”

Antidepressants

...as a treatment
“...Common side-effects of SSRI antidepressants include ... Constipation...”

Banana

...as a treatment
“...Constipation: High in fiber, bananas can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome constipation without using laxatives...”

Bariatric Surgery Complications

...the condition
“...(if a lap band surgery patient overeats); Hiatal hernia (lap band surgery only); Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); Bowel obstruction; Gastrointestinal leakage at stapled or stitched openings; Constipation; Diarrhea (less common than constipation); Food trapping (after band surgery); Food intolerances; Dehydration; Low blood sugar; Nutritional deficiency, especially iron and calcium...”

Beetroot

...as a treatment
“...The Romans used beetroot as a treatment for fevers and constipation, amongst other ailments...”

Biofeedback

...as a treatment
“...Biofeedback may also be useful for the following health problems ... constipation...”

Body Odor

...the condition
“...Dietary imbalances – resulting in constipation or a deficiency of magnesium or zinc – can also be causes of body odor...”

Brucellosis

...the condition
“...Headache and depression may occur in about half of all cases, as well as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting...”

Buckthorn

...as a treatment
“...German Commission E has approved the use of the bark for constipation.”

Bulk Laxative

...related topic
“...Bulk-forming laxatives provide the closest approximation to the natural process of increasing fecal volume, and are normally the first line recommendation for functional constipation.  They contain natural or semi-synthetic polysaccharides or cellulose derivatives that pass through the gastrointestinal tract undigested...”

Cancer, General

...recommendation Coffee Enema
“...Continued home use of enemas may cause the colon's normal function to weaken, worsening constipation problems and colitis...”

Cape Aloes

...as a treatment
“...Aloes has an "Approved" therapeutic monograph for constipation by the German Commission E...”

Carbohydrate Craving

...the condition
“...People following these diets may not get enough vitamins, minerals and fiber to avoid blood chemistry imbalances, constipation and other health problems...”

Castor Oil

...as a treatment
“...Conditions which have been responsive to castor oil applications include ... constipation, bowel impaction or adhesions...”

Chagas Disease

...the condition
“...Chagas disease can also lead to enlargement of parts of the digestive tract, which result in severe constipation or problems with swallowing...”

Chanca Piedra (Break-Stone)

...as a treatment
“...In some areas, it is used to treat malaria, typhoid fever, flu, colds, constipation, dysentery, or stomach ache...”

Chlorella

...as a treatment
“...Chlorella can also absorb toxins from the intestines, help relieve chronic constipation, favorably alter the bacterial flora content of the bowel and eliminate intestinal gas...”

Chlorophyll

...as a treatment
“...It has been used to ... relieve constipation...”

Coffee

...as a treatment
“...Constipation: The increased stomach acid resulting from a daily cup of coffee has a laxative effect on the bowels and can help maintain regular bowel movements...”

Colitis

...related topic
“...Mucus colitis is a type with cramps, periods of constipation, and copious discharge of mucus with feces...”

Colon Cleansing

...as a treatment
“...The American College of Gastroenterology takes the position that in the unusual case of fecal impaction complicating chronic constipation, a 5 to 10 ounce tap water enema may be of benefit, but does not otherwise recommend its use...”

Constipation

...the condition
Constipation, either acute or chronic, can be described as difficult, infrequent, or incomplete bowel movements...”
...relationship to Fluoride Toxicity
“Chronic constipation is an early sign of fluorosis.”
...relationship to Enlarged Prostate
“Chronic constipation has been implicated as a contributing factor to prostatic discomfort when there is an already enlarged gland...”
...relationship to Varicose Veins
Constipation is a leading cause of varicose veins.”
...relationship to Stress
“In a study of 34 women with chronic constipation, investigators led by Dr. Anton Emmanuel and colleagues at St. Mark's Hospital in Middlesex linked emotional distress with changes in the nerve pathway that helps control gut function...”
...relationship to Hypothyroidism
“Constant constipation is a sign of hypothyroidism.”
...relationship to Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Constipation is often a problem, due to the reduced activity of the intestines, change of diet, weakened stomach muscles that resist efforts by the patient to express the intestinal content.”
...relationship to Effects of a Low Carbohydrate Diet
“...The May 2004 Annals of Internal Medicine study showed once again that most of the Atkins Dieters are constipated and headachy.”
...relationship to Anxiety
“This connection is discussed in the link between constipation and stress.”
...relationship to Yeast / Candida Infection
“Chronic constipation can lead to Candida overgrowth.”
...relationship to Fibroids
“...These symptoms may include pressure on the bladder with difficulty voiding or urinary frequency and urgency, pressure on the rectum with constipation, lower back and abdominal pain, as well as heavy or irregular bleeding during periods.”
...recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition
“...Constipation amongst those on vegan and raw-food diets is extremely rare.”
...recommendation High/Increased Fiber Diet
“...For people prone to constipation, limiting foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese, meat, and processed foods is also important.”
...recommendation Dairy Products Avoidance
“A double-blind trial found that chronic constipation among infants and problems associated with it were triggered by intolerance to cows' milk in two-thirds of the infants studied...”
...recommendation Picrorhiza
“Picrorhiza is used in India for people with constipation due to insufficient digestive secretions...”
...recommendation Increased Water Consumption
“...People who have problems with constipation should drink enough water every day, at least eight 8-ounce glasses depending on weight...”
...recommendation Soy Isoflavones
“Amongst 65 children aged 11 to 72 months with chronic constipation, 68% had a positive response with regard to bowel movements while receiving soy milk.”
...recommendation MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)
“Some patients with chronic constipation have experienced continuing relief with a daily supplement of 100-500mg of MSM...”
...recommendation Aerobic Exercise
“Lack of exercise can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know precisely why.”
...recommendation Test for Food Allergies
Constipation triggered by food allergies might be responsible for chronic constipation in some adults...”
...recommendation Senna
“Senna is used in the treatment of constipation and acts through stimulation of intestinal peristalsis (contractions)...”
...recommendation Cascara Sagrada
“...Cascara Sagrada bark is "Approved" by the German Commission E for constipation.”

Dental Metal Removal

...as a treatment
“...poor digestion, food allergies, compromised local immunity, Leaky Gut Syndrome (intestinal permeability), intestinal inflammation, impaired nerve function and diminished peristalsis causing constipation, and parasitic and bacterial infections...”

Diarrhea

...the condition
“...Periods of loose stools can be interspersed with periods of constipation.  IBS symptoms may worsen during times of emotional or physiologic stress...”
...recommendation Bladderwrack
“Alginic acid (a component of bladderwrack) is a type of dietary fiber that can be used to help relieve constipation and diarrhea...”

Digestive Habit Changes

...as a treatment
“...A high-fiber diet helps keep food moving through your digestive system, reducing or eliminating constipation and that "backed-up" feeling...”

Diuretics

...as a treatment
“...This can lead to possible dizziness, severe thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination, dark urine, constipation.  Fever; Sore throat; Cough; Ringing in the ears; Unusual bleeding or bruising; Rapid and excessive weight loss; Skin rash; Loss of appetite; Nausea; Vomiting; Muscle cramps; Breast...”

Diverticular Disease

...related topic
“...Diverticulosis may not cause any symptoms but could include mild cramps, bloating and constipation – all of which are common to other conditions such as IBS or ulcers...”

Dysentery

...the condition
“...The symptoms of amebic dysentery are quite mild, with constipation and diarrhea alternating, combined with some intestinal cramping and gas...”

Dysmenorrhea

...related topic
“...Dysmenorrhea may be accompanied by excessively heavy blood loss (menorrhagia) and by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, disorientation, hypersensitivity to sound, light, smell and touch, fainting, and fatigue.”

Endometriosis

...related topic
“...being pelvic pain and cramping before and during periods; pain during intercourse; inability to conceive; fatigue; painful urination during periods; gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.”

Excess Salt Consumption

...the condition
“...Low potassium can cause muscle weakness and irritability, constipation, depression and heart problems and is potentially dangerous.”

Excess Sugar Consumption

...the condition
“...When the body undergoes a sugar overload, a number of symptoms can manifest themselves, including: Anxiety; Congestion; Frequent colds; Migraines; Asthma; Constipation; Headaches; Sinus congestion; Backaches; Depression; Hypoglycemia; Skin itch; Bladder/bowel dysfunction; Diarrhea; Hypothyroidism; Sleepiness; Bloating; Dizziness; Immune system...”

Excessive Sweating

...the condition
“...However, these medications will also affect other parts of the body, and may have side-effects, including dry mouth, drying of other secretions or constipation.  One new approach that may work on small areas of skin that have excessive sweating is to inject botulinum toxin (Botox®) into small areas of the skin (such as the underarms), which...”

Fecal Impaction

...the condition
“Alternative names: Impaction of the bowels Fecal Impaction is an extreme form of constipation in which the contents of the colon become hard and dry, creating a blockage and making it impossible to have a bowel movement...”
...our question about Variations in bowel movements
“Chronic constipation followed by watery diarrhea that suddenly leaks out is a sign of fecal impaction.”

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

...recommendation Increased Water Consumption
“Drink plenty of pure water to prevent constipation and reap the benefits of high-fiber foods.”

Flax Seed, Flaxseed Oil, Linseed Oil

...as a treatment
“...The German Commission E has "Approved" Flaxseed for chronic constipation, and irritable or inflamed bowel conditions.”
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More topics Related to Constipation

Gluten Sensitivity / Celiac Disease

...the condition
“...Craving high sugar foods; Frequent intestinal bloating or gas especially after eating; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); Acid reflux / GERD / heartburn; Indigestion; Constipation; Diarrhea; Frequent nausea and or vomiting; Difficulty gaining weight; Iron deficiency anemia; Head, Brain and Nervous System Symptoms...”

Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux

...the condition
“...Overeating and straining associated with constipation may also compromise the sphincter's ability to keep the acid where it belongs in the stomach...”

Heavy Metal Toxicity

...the condition
“...Lead Signs and Symptoms include combinations of gastrointestinal complaints, hypertension, fatigue, hemolytic anemia, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, weight loss, peripheral neuropathy, cognitive dysfunction, arthralgias, headache, weakness, convulsions, irritability, impotence, loss of libido, depression, depression of thyroid and...”

Hemorrhoids

...the condition
“...With moderate westernization of the diet, constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and appendicitis become common clinical entities...”
...recommendation High/Increased Fiber Diet
“...Insoluble fiber prevents and manages problems like constipation and hemorrhoids by producing a larger softer stool that passes through the digestive system faster and more easily.”

High/Increased Fiber Diet

...as a treatment
“...Fiber is important in the prevention of constipation, diverticulosis, colon polyps, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, appendicitis, hiatal hernia, peptic ulcer disease and probably colon cancer...”

Hormone Imbalance

...our question about Abdominal distension, swelling
“...or at the start of a menstrual period (these raise progesterone levels) can slow down gut motility and cause food to pass more slowly through the digestive system, sometimes causing bloating and/or constipation.”

Hyperparathyroidism

...our question about Unexplained nausea
“In more severe cases there may be loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion or impaired thinking and memory, and increased thirst and urination.”

Hypopituitarism

...the condition
“...Stimulation Hormone (TSH) Deficiency Deficiency of thyroid hormone causes a syndrome consisting of decreased energy, increased need to sleep, intolerance of cold (inability to stay warm), dry skin, constipation, muscle aching and decreased mental functions...”

Hypothyroidism

...the condition
“...Symptoms include generalized fatigue, weight gain, thinning (brittle) hair, dry scaly skin, thin nails that break easily, constipation, alterations in menses, aching muscles, and slow heart rate...”

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

...the condition
“...Other symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, or a painful but unsuccessful urge to move the bowels...”
...our question about Variations in bowel movements
“...About 20% of patients with IBS experience alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation.”
...recommendation Calcium
“...Calcium carbonate contains no magnesium and can help with diarrhea in those with IBS-D; Calcium citrate contains magnesium and can therefore cause diarrhea, so it is recommended for those with constipation (IBS-C).”
...recommendation Magnesium
“Magnesium is commonly used for treating abdominal cramps and constipation and is therefore useful for IBS-C...”
...recommendation Ozone / Oxidative Therapy
“...that it kills bad bacteria in the gut, helps to neutralize excess acid, balances the metabolic rate, improves vitamin and mineral absorption, and thereby reduces symptoms of IBS such as diarrhea and constipation.”
...recommendation Vitamin E
“Vitamin E is a unique antioxidant containing a lubricating oil which is thought to prevent constipation.  It also has a soothing and calming effect on the bowel, helping to reduce the inflammation associated with IBS.”
...recommendation Slippery Elm
“...It is also thought to help with constipation and diarrhea by softening and adding smooth bulk to stool...”

Inadequate Fiber Intake

...our question about Breast cysts
“Fibrocystic breast disease has been linked to constipation and to diets low in fiber.”

Increased Urinary Frequency

...relationship to Fibroids
“...These symptoms may include pressure on the bladder with difficulty voiding or urinary frequency and urgency, pressure on the rectum with constipation, lower back and abdominal pain, as well as heavy bleeding.”

Inositol

...as a treatment
“...Because it stimulates muscles of the alimentary canal, inositol is helpful in cases of constipation.  It can also induce labor contractions in pregnant women...”

Inositol Requirement

...the condition
“...If your intake is not sufficient, you may experience symptoms such as eczema, hair loss, constipation, and abnormalities of the eyes and raised cholesterol.”

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

...related topic
“...An IBS diagnosis requires at least three of the following symptoms to be present: lower abdominal pain; bloating; constipation; diarrhea, constipation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation; nausea; loss of appetite; tummy rumbling; flatulence; mucus in stools; indigestion; constant tiredness; frequent...”

Lavender Oil

...as a treatment
“...Other unproven uses of lavender oil include: Insomnia, depression, menstrual pain, migraine headaches, nausea, vomiting, colic, constipation, toothache, ear infections, acne, eczema, hypertension, head lice, loss of appetite.”

Laxative/Enema Overuse

...the condition
“It is possible to become too dependent upon laxatives in order to achieve bowel movements; the bowels relax with repeated use of laxatives and constipation worsens.  Some types of laxatives cause a staining of the bowel walls and some doctors believe overuse of these types can lead to colon cancer...”
...recommendation Increased Fruit/Vegetable Consumption
“Many people who are dependent on laxatives feel that they must keep on using them because otherwise they become very constipated.  A natural way to break this cycle involves eating 1-2 pieces of dried fruit a day, drinking at least 6 glasses of water a day, exercising daily, and stopping all laxative use...”

Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement

...the condition
“...the other symptoms, people with a sluggish liver may complain of depression, general malaise, headaches, digestive disturbances, allergies and chemical sensitivities, premenstrual syndrome, and constipation.  Not surprisingly, these are the same types of symptoms people exposed to toxic chemicals often complain of...”

Low Back Pain

...relationship to Fibroids
“...These symptoms may include pressure on the bladder with difficulty voiding or urinary frequency and urgency, pressure on the rectum with constipation, lower back pain and abdominal pain, as well as heavy bleeding.”

Magnesium Requirement

...relationship to Constipation
“A Japanese study 3,835 subjects found that constipation was linked more strongly to low magnesium intake and low intake of water from food, than it was to low fiber intake or low intake of water from fluids.”

Mesenteric Ischemia

...the condition
“...paralytic stage may follow if ischemia continues: abdominal pain becomes more widespread, the belly becomes more tender to the touch, and bowel motility decreases, resulting in abdominal bloating, constipation, no further bloody stools, and an absence of bowel sounds...”

Multiple Myeloma

...the condition
“...in the blood (hypercalcemia) overworks the kidneys and can cause a variety of symptoms, including loss of appetite, fatigue, muscle weakness, restlessness, difficulty in thinking or confusion, constipation, increased thirst, increased urine production, and nausea and vomiting...”

Muscular Dystrophy

...relationship to Constipation
Constipation can be a symptom for anyone who is not mobile.”

Neurostructural Therapy

...as a treatment
“...The following symptoms often benefit or even disappear in response to an NST session ... constipation...”

Noni

...as a treatment
“...Samoa, Japan, and Tahiti, various parts of the tree (leaves, flowers, fruits, bark, roots) serve as tonics and to contain fever, to treat eye and skin problems, gum and throat problems as well as constipation, stomach pain, or respiratory difficulties...”

Osteoarthritis

...recommendation Rose Hip
“...Rosehip powder also did not have the side-effects associated with other pain medications, including constipation and drowsiness...”

Parsley

...as a treatment
“...Other uses include the treatment of constipation and female problems such as not having a monthly period...”

Picrorhiza

...as a treatment
“...It is also used to treat people with constipation due to insufficient digestive secretion and for fever due to all manner of infections...”

Pregnancy-Related Issues

...recommendation Iron
“...Iron supplements may cause nausea and constipation, making the common discomforts of pregnancy worse...”

Premenstrual Syndrome

...the condition
“...Some physical symptoms of PMS include ... Constipation or diarrhea...”

Probiotics

...as a treatment
“...Low counts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, with an increase in less desirable bacteria in the intestines can cause gas, diarrhea, constipation, mucosal irritation and contribute to the development of allergies...”

Problems Caused By Being Overweight

...recommendation Ephedra (Ma Huang)
“...33% of patients on intermittent treatment and 48% on continuous treatment experienced adverse effects deemed non-serious such as dry mouth, headache, insomnia, nervousness, agitation, constipation and/or diarrhea...”

Protein Deficiency

...the condition
“...and positivity); Depression; Insomnia (consuming protein before bed can help with the production of tryptophan and serotonin, which promote sound sleep); Chronic headaches; Blackouts; Nausea; Constipation and gas (protein deficiency can negatively affect enzyme production, muscle contractions in the GI tract, and digestion in general); Diarrhea; Reduced blood pressure; High cholesterol and...”

Psyllium

...as a treatment
“...Psyllium is used for treating chronic constipation, stool softening (hemorrhoids, post-rectal surgery), irritable bowel syndrome, and to increase dietary fiber...”

Scotch Broom

...as a treatment
“...It quiets an overactive heart and relieves inflammation, toothache, ague, acute constipation, and swelling of the spleen...”

Senna

...as a treatment
“...For most people, senna can act as a short-term laxative, for the temporary relief of constipation.  Long-term use of this, or any laxative, is not usually recommended without supervision of a physician...”

Sjogren's Syndrome

...the condition
“...(tubular interstitial nephritis, renal tubular acidosis – a risk factor for kidney stones, glomerular disease); Gastrointestinal symptoms Swallowing difficulty due to decreased saliva production; Constipation; Food intolerances; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Heartburn; Indigestion; Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis); Connective tissue disorders; Debilitating fatigue; The doctor will...”

Soft Tissue Sarcoma

...the condition
“...For example, tumors found in the following areas of the body may develop these symptoms ... Bowel – abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation...”

Somatoform Disorder

...the condition
“...Some of these include ... Constipation...”

Stillingia

...as a treatment
“...Stillingia has been used in small doses as a laxative to alleviate constipation.  It has been used to improve chronic skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne...”

Supplemental Fiber

...as a treatment
“...Many people need to increase their water intake when they increase their fiber intake to avoid constipation because of the water-binding/bulking effects of water-insoluble fibers...”

Tendency To Develop Polyps

...the condition
“...On rare occasions the bowel may become partially or completely blocked, resulting in symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and (in severe cases) vomiting...”

Thuja

...as a treatment
“...Herbalists prescribe thuja for the following ... In seed form, taken internally for palpitations, insomnia, nervous disorders and constipation in the elderly...”

Trichotillomania

...the condition
“...Trichobezoars can also cause foul breath, poor appetite, constipation, diarrhea, excessive gas, bowel obstruction, and even bowel perforation...”

Typhoid Fever

...the condition
“...The patient feels chilly, tired and weak, suffering from headache and loss of appetite, followed by backache and either diarrhea or constipation.  Many patients also have bronchitis, so that in the early stages of typhoid the disease may appear similar to pneumonia...”

Ulcerative Colitis

...our question about Mucus in stools
“If the disease is limited to the rectosigmoidal area then stools may be normal or dry although there can also be constipation.  Rectal mucous, which can be high in red and white blood cells, accompanies stools or occurs between bowel movements.”

Urinary Retention

...the condition
“...Risk factors for urinary retention include ... Constipation...”

Valerian Root

...as a treatment
“...It can also help relieve headaches, menstrual cramps and constipation or indigestion from nervous tension...”

Varicose Veins

...the condition
“...Obesity, menopause, aging, constipation and repeated abdominal strain, as well as heavy lifting, may contribute...”
...recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition
Constipation is one of the leading causes of varicose veins, although it may initially be hard to see the connection...”

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

...as a treatment
“...Niacin helps increase energy through improving food utilization and has been used beneficially for treating fatigue, irritability, and digestive disorders, such as diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion...”

Weight Loss

...as a treatment
“...Dairy intolerance, constipation, headache, hair loss and depression are other possible side-effects...”

Yeast / Candida Infection

...the condition
“...Gastrointestinal ... Constipation...”
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