Today’s busy lifestyle often brings about constipation, even though there are healthy food options available. Many people suffers every now and again from small episodes of constipation. Alas, fecal impaction can easily and quickly result from a common bout of temporary constipation.
To counteract constipation, you must first look at what you eat on a daily basis. There are many healthy food options available at the grocery and even at fast food restaurants. However, there is a good chance that even though you’re eating healthy you may be getting constipated because of how you eat. Digestion starts with chewing properly, as within the chewing process enzymes start to breakdown nutrients. So, if you eat too quickly and don’t properly chew, you could become constipated.
Choosing what you eat is important. If you’ve noticed you’re experiencing an increase in constipation, you may be eating a diet too high in fat or sugar. You may want to increase your fiber intake by using a supplement or adding more vegetables to each meal.
Another vital component of digestive health and avoidance of constipation and fecal impaction is proper hydration. Soda and coffee do not count as hydrating liquids. Remember, the goal of the digestive process is the uptake of nutrients and the elimination of waste. But, if you increase your fiber intake and don’t also increase your water intake, you are bound to literally clog up your lower intestines.
For those who eat by the book, vitamins may be the reason for constipation. Vitamins, even when used properly, can cause constipation. Iron supplements are among the most notorious.
To further counteract constipation or even fecal impaction you may choose to undergo a colon cleanse. It is wise to discuss this option with your physician as this is not a treatment for everyone, especially if you have some medical conditions that have put you under a doctor’s care. In some cases your physician may advise you to try a round of prune juice drinks after meals before resorting to a colon cleanse.
A child who is constipated should be carefully looked upon by the parents. Fecal impaction should be avoided by careful observation and action. Often parents can easily look back over the child’s diet and backtrack to find a change and cause of constipation.
Children who are often constipated should see a pediatrician. Sometimes kids will swallow tiny toys and other objects, causing an obstruction. If an obstruction is not recognized the situation could become life threatening. A quick x-ray can show whether there is an obstruction or not.
