Having Problems Relieving Constipation?

It is easy to become preoccupied with relieving constipation symptoms such as acute abdominal pain or hard, dry stool which can hurt when trying to pass.  The pain can literally be so intense that a person simply cannot concentrate on work or normal tasks.  It only takes one or two bad experiences with acute constipation to make people head immediately for the laxatives the minute they even think a problem with the bowels may be starting.  However, when laxatives are incapable of relieving constipation and it remains difficult or impossible to pass any significant stool, a careful examination of potential causes is necessary.

Relieving constipation can usually be accomplished by taking laxatives as they tend to have stimulants as active ingredients which help stimulate the Peristaltic action necessary for normal bowel movements.  However, laxatives will not be sufficient in relieving constipation when a blockage is causing the problem.

Blockages arise because feces becomes compacted and will cling to the walls of the digestive tract.  At critical junctions in between places like the intestines and bowels, narrow openings will become blocked when too much waste clings to the walls.  The blockage will result in a  “ log jam “ in the digestive system that will eventually not allow any waste or feces past.  In time, only wet seepage will be produced by bowel movements causing people to think they have diarrhea when in fact constipation is the problem. 

A blockage cannot be eliminated with laxatives in many cases because the Peristaltic action often proves insufficient to push the feces past the blockage.  In such cases, a flushing of the digestive system may be required.  Colon cleansers are often great for flushing but try to find ones that are made with all-natural ingredients as those made using chemicals and laboratory creations can lead to side effects such as dehydration which can further constipation. 

Laxatives may not prove effective against constipation if medication side effects, poor diet, or other causes are behind the problem.  The only solution is to find the source of the constipation and address the underlying causes.  However, if constipation persists beyond 3-4 days, it is time to consult with your health care professional as a larger medical issue may be at the root of the problem. 

Relieving constipation is often more complicated than most people assume because there are so many potential causes of the condition.  Laxatives may be sufficient in relieving short term constipation caused by recent travel, changes in diet, or missing a bowel movement.  However, constipation caused by blockages, medication side effects, or larger medical issues such as colon cancer—it will not be treated with laxatives.  In fact, they may actually worsen the condition.  A good cleansing of the digestive tract every few months with a good all-natural colonic is a great defense against blockages and the build-up of feces and waste along the walls of the colon and intestines.