Hemorrhoids and Constipation

In this article you will learn about constipation, the major cause of its complication and constipation's relation to hemorrhoids development. You will find out important information about the constipation management and the common mistakes you should avoid.

The constipation is considered as a main cause for developing hemorrhoids and it should be eliminated. Bowel movements should be soft not hard, and should pass without the need to strain.

While many feel that one should have a bowel movement every day, some people may only feel the need to defecate one to three times a week.

Medical authorities seem to accept wide variations in toilet frequency as long as this does not cause any other symptoms.

Defecating depends on dietary habits, exercise, fluid intake, and various other factors.

In general, constipation is regarded as fewer than three bowel movements per week in a person consuming at least 19 g of fiber daily. However, you may go to the bathroom every day and be still constipated due to incomplete bowel movement.

 Constipation is usually caused by insufficient bulk in the bowel movement. You can prevent constipation through simple changes:

1. Include more fibre in your diet. 
2. Take bulk-forming laxatives 
3.  Drink a lot of water or liquids 
4. Take probiotics 
5. Exercise regularly
   

What is fiber?

Fiber is often classified into two categories: those that don't dissolve in water (insoluble fiber) and those that do (soluble fiber).

The insoluble fiber is made up of material which our body cannot digest, and therefore passes through our intestines essentially in the same form in which it was eaten.

It moves through the complete length of the gut, adding bulk and water to the stool. This makes the stool softer and adds bulk and shape to our food, giving us a sense of fullness after eating, without adding the calories.

Insoluble fiber may help to reduce the risk of some cancers, especially colon cancer. Whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts and many vegetables are good sources of insoluble fiber.
 

The soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. It slows the passage of food through the intestines.

This fiber is not absorbed in the small bowel. The soluble is broken down in the large bowel and becomes a food source for the bacteria that live in the colon.

These healthy bacteria bulk up the stool, creating larger softer stool which is easier to pass.

The soluble fiber can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium are rich in such fiber.

The main sources of soluble fiber are pectin and psyllium. Apples, plums, gooseberries and oranges contain much pectin, while soft fruits like cherries and strawberries contain little pectin.

In general, the main sources of fiber are fresh fruit, leafy vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals.

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