Constipation means difficult or infrequent passage of the stool. In some cases it is due to mechanical obstruction of the intestines, such as cancer or perhaps due to some functional cause, such as an irritable colon. In most cases there is no actual obstruction. Regular bowel movement is necessary to remove waste and toxins from the body. Some people will have movements every day, some others 3 times a week, this is normal, whereas some doctors believe that a person moving bowels less then once a day to be constipated.

Constipation actually has two forms. Some people have to strain to move their bowels every time they want to go. But others just feel the urge too rarely.

Many elderly people suffer from constipation. ,due to insufficient intake of fluid. They may think they are drinking enough, but careful observation may reveal that they are having only two or three glasses of liquid a day. For normal bowel habits, one should drink from six to eight glasses of fluid each day.

Constipation can be caused by lack of exercise, too much junk food, poor diet, painkillers, antidepressants and/or pregnancy. However some chronic problems such as thyroid problems, circulatory disorder and colon malfunction (fistulas, polyps, tumors, and obstruction) can also cause constipation. Children should also get plenty of liquids to drink everyday, especially clear liquids such as fruit juices and water. When a child is constipated, push lots of water.

The diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables, for these are natural laxatives. The patient should have regular meals and avoid nervous tension. He should sleep at least 8 hours a night and take regular exercise. Many cases of constipation are relieved by the use of prune juice, figs, bananas, or other natural laxatives. Sensible habits of living, plus 6 – 8 glasses of water per day and a reasonable amount of exercise will cure most people of constipation.