Constipation is one of the most common health issues that is faced by millions across the world. This is actually a condition in which a person’s feces become so hard that expulsion becomes very difficult. Simple changes in your lifestyle can actually cure constipation and it needs to be kept in mind that laxatives should not be resorted to unless you have no other choice.

What causes constipation?
This condition normally occurs when the colon has absorbed more than the required quantity of water . The common triggers of constipation include

• A diet that is poor in fiber as fiber helps to aid bowel movements
• Lack of physical activity is also another common cause that normally triggers constipation in people. People who are bedridden and even elderly people who do not move around much experience constipation often.
• Some medications have also been found to be the culprit in triggering constipation. Some of the most common medications that have been found to cause constipation include Tylenol, Elavil, Percocet and Dilantin to mention a few names.
• Milk is yet another food that has been found to cause constipation in some people.
• Pregnancy also causes hormonal alterations in your body that make women prone to constipation.
• People who are victims of IBS are also found to experience constipation from time to time.
• An overdose of laxatives is yet another reason for getting constipated.
• Lack of proper water intake can also trigger constipation in many people.
• Some diseases can cause a slowing down of feces movement that triggers constipation. Some of these diseases are cancer, neurological disorders, systemic illnesses, and metabolic issues.

Common indications of constipation

• Severe straining and difficulty while trying to pass one’s stools.
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Bloated feeling and even nausea
• Cramps in the tummy

What are the effective treatments to cure constipation?
In most cases, constipation cures itself without any particular treatment or hazards to one’s health. Most treatments include just basic changes in your lifestyle, diet and physical activity. There are a lot of home remedies that have been tried and tested to ease constipation. So, one can surely try out some of them. Finally, if nothing happens to be working, the best course would be to consult a doctor who would prescribe some laxatives to ease your discomfort. You also have the choice of trying some over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

OTC laxatives

• Lubricants: They aid the stools to pass via the colon without much difficulty. Most of them contain Fleet along with mineral oil.
• Stimulants: They help the intestinal muscles to contract easily. Some the common names include Senokot, Dulcolax and Correctol.
• Supplementary Fibers: These are by far the safest medications and some the well-known ones include Citrucel, Serutan and Fibercon. Also known as bulk laxatives, they need to be consumed along with lots of water.
• Saline Laxatives: Their function is to pull water into your colon and mostly includes Milk of Magnesia.