ProViva Tummy School

Section 8: Constipation

Just about everyone has experienced occasional constipation at some point in life. It may have been due to eating something that your stomach wasn't used to or perhaps not drinking enough liquids. For most people this is not a big problem. After a few days the gastrointestinal tract recovers and the problems and concern over them disappear. However, chronic constipation can be far more troublesome, causing periodic stomach pain and discomfort associated with bloating. Many people with chronic constipation also experience a psychological burden. The sensation of a full stomach concerns them, and the lack of bowel movements after eating only makes it worse. Of course how any given individual defines constipation can vary. Those who are used to one daily bowel movement may be troubled if a whole day passes without going to the toilet. However, the medical definition of constipation is fewer than three bowel movements per week.

What is the cause of constipation?

• Insufficient fiber in diet
• Dehydration or not drinking enough fluid
• Insufficient physical activity
• High-stress lifestyle
• Decreased GI motor function.
• Pregnancy

• Certain types of medication

What can you do about the situation?

• Modify your eating habits. Eat more fruit and green, high fiber foods and drink plenty of water
• Exercise regularly
• Eat prunes or drink prune juice for the laxative effect
• Products that contain lactobacilli (e.g., ProViva) can help alleviate the problems

• Avoid frequent use of laxatives. In the long run they may damage the intestine and do more harm than good