Is Constipation Serious?

Although it may be extremely bothersome, constipation itself usually is not serious. However, it may signal and be the only noticeable symptom of a serious underlying disorder such as cancer. Constipation can lead to complications, such as hemorrhoids caused by extreme straining or fissures caused by the hard stool stretching the sphincters. Bleeding can occur for either of these reasons and appears as bright red streaks on the surface of the stool. Fissures may be quite painful and can aggravate the constipation that originally caused them. Fecal impactions tend to occur in very young children and in older adults and may be accompanied by a loss of control of stool, with liquid stool flowing around the hard impaction. Occasionally, straining causes a small amount of intestinal lining to push out from the rectal opening. This condition is known as rectal prolapse and may lead to secretion of mucus that may stain underpants. In children, mucus may be a feature of cystic fibrosis.

Are You Regular?

Many people think they are constipated or irregular If they don’t have at least one bowel movement a day. But this is not necessarily true. Normal can range from three bowel movements a day to three a week depending on the person. So how can you tell if you’re constipated? Look for the following symptoms:

Fewer bowel movements than normal  Hard, dry stools that are difficult or painful to pass  The sensation of a full rectum, even after a bowel movement Laxatives can be useful and effective medication but the prolonged use of any thing artificial has side effects which could lead to serious health problems. Increased interference in the natural peristaltic movements of the body making it more sluggish thus leading it to chronic constipation.

One must go to the toilet 1 – 2 times daily. Since ancient times there has been a belief that when we do not pass stool for long toxins in the stool are released and cause disease. Constipation is one of the most common complaints in the USA. Americans spend more than US$ 750 million a year on laxatives. Imagine how much time they spend in the toilet ? 

Colon cancer is the No. 1 cancer among men & women together. When food remains in the colon for long it produces toxins. What this means, is that constipation actually gives rise to a process of self poisoning. The toxins released by the process of decay of food in your stomach, are drawn into the blood stream & travel to all parts of the body. This causes more problems.