The Truth Behind Constipation and Diarrhea

Constipation and diarrhea are certainly not pleasant subjects. For many, the subjects are merely embarrassing, but for others constipation and diarrhea have become a daily occurrence.

Constipation and diarrhea are serious subjects that deserve attention. It’s been said that “all death begins in the colon.” Constipation and diarrhea can certainly indicate that a colon may be unhealthy or malfunctioning.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a culprit behind a chronic and vicious cycle of constipation and diarrhea. The basic premise behind irritable bowel syndrome is that the large intestine and colon are not functioning properly at the nerve level.

Though the exact cause of this is unknown, IBS patients experience constipation, diarrhea and sometimes both. Cramping, bloating and painful gas are also symptoms of IBS.

Poor diet and lack of exercise contribute largely to chronic constipation and diarrhea. Refined sugar products made with flour rather than the whole grain kernel is predominant in American society. Adequate fiber intake is imperative for the health of the digestive system.

Most people think of fiber when they hear the word “constipation” but fiber can also help ease diarrhea by bulking up the stool.

As well, fruits and veggies are not high on the list of priorities for many people. The fiber and other nutrients found in fruits and veggies can help ease constipation and diarrhea.

Exercise has a huge amount of benefits including good digestive health. Exercise benefits the digestive system by increasing peristalsis. It also increases the heart beat which in turn speeds up digestion.

Today’s society is also a big problem behind constipation and diarrhea. Both can be brought on by extreme amounts of stress or repeated stress day in and day out.

Stress affects our overall health more than people think. The effect the mind has on the body has only been a part of Western medicine for the past few decades. Because of this, we’ve only recently tapped into the physiological response our bodies have to stress.

Busy schedules don’t allow for proper eating and elimination. These tight schedules also make it difficult to get proper exercise.

Many times, chronic constipation and diarrhea are caused by emotional issues that have been present since childhood. If you were constantly pressured to toilet train, you might have emotional issues that are preventing you from having normal bowel movements.

Repeated teasing by siblings, classmates or even parents over bowel movements can also be a source of underlying emotional trauma that is causing this terrible cycle of constipation and diarrhea.

Constipation and diarrhea can also result from withholding our urges to defecate or pass gas. We’re sort of trained that way because flagellation is considered rude even though it’s imperative to good digestive health.

As well, we’re often inclined to hold off on a bowel movement in lieu of a busy schedule or an inconvenient time or place that the urge takes place.

Constipation and diarrhea can become serious issues for a person. It’s imperative that you look at your overall lifestyle and decide what you can do to help rid constipation and diarrhea.