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Some people wonder if, in order to be regarded as regular, they
need to have at least one bowel movement every day. The number and
frequency of normal bowel movements is widely varied. Normal can
range anywhere from three a day to three each week. In fact, what is
deemed normal for one person may not be considered regular for
someone else. And so, for those who are left wondering, daily fecal
excretion is not considered to be a requirement of regularity.
However, if you are trying to pass dry hard stools three times a
week or less, most likely, you are constipated. In some cases,
constipation may also cause you to feel uncomfortable, sluggish,
bloated, or for some, tenderness and pain.
Constipation can
be caused by a number of things such as a deficient dietary intake
of fiber, dehydration, age, pregnancy, inattention to bowel habits,
illness, stress, depression, or lack of physical
activity.
Constipation can also be caused by certain
medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood
pressure, and Parkinson’s disease. Many of the narcotics used as
pain killers can also cause constipation as can continued or
over-use of aggravates and laxatives.
Although uncommon,
constipation, in rare cases, may indicate a serious medical
condition, such as electrolyte or hormonal imbalances, or colorectal
cancer.
Nutritional supplements that may help with
constipation
One of the safest ways to manage
constipation may be through a change in lifestyle. Fiber
supplements are safe enough to use every day and can help make
stools softer and easier to pass. Drinking sufficient amounts of
water or other fluids on a daily basis will also help remedy the
problem, and are especially important for those taking fiber, which
can actually worsen constipation if adequate amounts of fluid are
not consumed. In order to steer clear of gas troubles, add fiber to
your diet gradually.
Taken from knjac root, glucomannan
provides a water-soluble source of dietary fiber. Like many other
fiber sources, including fenugreek and psyllium, glucomannan is
identified as a bulk-forming laxative. Several clinical research
studies have shown glucomannan, given in doses of 3-4 grams each
day, to be successful as a laxative. Glucomanan and other
bulk-forming laxatives usually help relieve constipation by
generating a bowel movement in as little as 12-24
hours.
Herbal supplements that may help with
constipation
Most of the commonly used laxatives are
derived from a variety of plants. Herbal laxatives can be either
stimulating or bulk-forming. For people who need long-term
constipation relief, mild, bulk-forming, plant-derived laxatives are
most highly recommended. These laxatives, including fenugreek, flaxseed, and psyllium, contain
high levels of mucilage and fiber that expand in the presence of
water; and work to stimulate the bowels by increasing in volume,
which triggers a muscular reflex.
Supporting
Literature
Passaretti S, Franzoni M, Comin U,
et al. Action of glucomannans on complaints in patients affected
with chronic constipation: a multicentric clinical evaluation. Ital
J Gastroenterol 1991;23:421–5.
Marzio L, Del Bianco R, Donne M,
et al. Mouth-to-cecum transit time in patients affected by chronic
constipation: effect of glucomannan. Am J Gastroenterol
1989;84:888–90.
Marsicano LJ, Berrizbeitia ML, Mondelo A. Use of
glucomannan dietary fiber in changes in intestinal habit. G E N
1995;49:7–14.
Signorelli P, Croce P, Dede A. A clinical study of
the use of a combination of glucomannan with lactulose in the
constipation of pregnancy. Minerva Ginecol
1996;48:577–82.
Staianno A, Simeone D, Giudice ED, et al. Effect
of the dietary fiber glucomannan on chronic constipation in
neurologically impaired children. J Pediatr
2000;136:41–5.
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