HEALTH TALK: Myths and facts about constipation

Dr. Victor Emanuel MD

MYTH: YOU SHOULD HAVE A BOWEL MOVEMENT EVERYDAY

What is “normal” varies from person to person. Some people go three times a day; others, three times a week. Although having a bowel movement once a day is common, it’s fine to go a few days without one. Constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements per week. You’re considered severely constipated if you have fewer than one movement a week. Seek medical help for sudden constipation or constipation that lasts more than two weeks.

MYTH: CONSTIPATION CREATES TOXINS AND HEALTH PROBLEMS

Some people think that constipation causes the body to absorb poisonous substances in stools. They believe this causes diseases such as arthritis, asthma, and colon cancer. But there’s no evidence that the stools produce toxins or that colon cleansing, laxatives, or enemas can prevent cancer or other diseases.

MYTH: CONSTIPATION JUST MEANS I NEED MORE FIBER

Increasing the fiber in your diet can often help constipation. But chronic constipation can signal a real problem. It can indicate a poorly functioning thyroid gland or diabetes. It can be the result of Parkinson’s disease or stroke, or a side effect of medications. In rare cases, it can signal illnesses such as colorectal cancer or autoimmune disease. See doc if symptoms last more than two weeks or you have blood in your stools, severe pain with bowel movements, or unexplained weight loss.

FACT: DAIRY CAN CAUSE CONSTIPATION

If you’re lactose intolerant, eating dairy could cause constipation. One study linked constipation to lactose intolerance in children. Most lactose intolerant people can eat at least a little dairy everyday. Talk to doc if small amounts seem to constipate you.

FACT: SWALLOWED GUM CAN GET STUCK

It’s true – but only rarely, and usually in little kids who don’t know better than to swallow gum. Sometimes swallowing large amounts of gum or many pieces in a short time can form a mass that blocks the digestive tract, especially if you swallow it with other indigestive things. The blockage can cause constipation. But for most people, the indigestible parts of gum move through the intestinal tract and eventually get eliminated from the body just like other foods do. So swallowing the occasional piece of gum is harmless.

FACT: VACATIONS CAN CAUSE CONSTIPATION

Travel can change your daily routine and diet, contributing to constipation. Avoid dehydration-related constipation by drinking water, especially if you’re flying. Also move around when you can – for example while waiting for plane connections or by taking rest stops when driving. Other travel tips: Exercise, limit alcohol, and make a point of eating fruits and vegetables.

FACT: MOOD CAN AFFECT YOUR REGULARITY

Depression may trigger constipation or make it worse. Reducing stress through meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques may help. Acupuncture or shiatsu massage may help, too. And massaging the abdomen may help relax the muscles that support the intestines and get your bowels moving.

MYTH: HOLDING IT WON’T HURT

You may feel too busy at work to have a bowel movement. Or you would rather wait until you’re home. But ignoring the urge when it comes may not only make you physically uncomfortable, it can cause or aggravate constipation by weakening the signals over time. Some people find it helps to set aside time after breakfast or another meal for a bowel movement. But no matter when nature calls, answer.

FACT: MEDICATIONS CAN CAUSE CONSTIPATION

Some medications for pain, depression, high blood pressure, and Parkinson’s disease are associated with constipation. Too much calcium and iron can lead to constipation. Calcium supplements, especially if taken with another supplement or medication that binds the stool, may also cause problems. Talk to doc if you have concerns.

FACT: A LOW-FIBER DIET MAY CAUSE CONSTIPATION

Not having enough fiber in your diet often leads to constipation. To prevent it, try to get at least 20 grams a day, but more is better. Eat more whole fruits and vegetables: replace white rice, bread and pastas with whole-grain products. Increase your fiber intake slowly to avoid gas and bloating. And water helps fiber pass stools, so drink at least 2 to 4 extra glasses of water a day. Don’t expect results overnight – after a few days of regular fiber intake, you should start to see improvement.

MYTH: ALL FIBER IS CREATED EQUAL

Eating foods with fiber helps you feel full and stay regular. Insoluble fiber in particular can help ease constipation because it is indigestible and doesn’t dissolve in water. It adds bulk to stool and helps it pass through the intestine faster. Good sources of insoluble fiber are whole-grain breads, pasta and cereal. Soluble fiber dissolves in water. As part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, it may lower heart disease risk. Soluble fiber is found in beans, peas, and some produce.

FACT: PRUNES HELP KEEP YOU REGULAR

This small dried fruit has earned a big reputation a “nature’s remedy” for constipation. Prunes can prevent or improve constipations symptoms. They’re packed with insoluble fiber, as well as the natural laxative sorbitol and dihydrophenylisatin. The soluble fiber found in prunes may help lower cholesterol. And they’re safe for long-term consumption. Children who don’t like prunes might eat prune juice ice pops or sip prune juice mixed with another juice to disguise the taste.

FACT: DRINKING WATER MAY HELP

Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration, which can lead to constipation. Liquids can help keep your stool soft to help prevent and alleviate constipation. Talk to doc about how much water is good for you. Remember to limit caffeinated or alcoholic beverages – too many of these can cause dehydration.

FACT: EXERCISE KEEPS YOU REGULAR

Lack of physical activity can contribute to constipation. Exercise, however, can help make your bowel movements more regular and can reduce stress. Wait at least an hour after eating a large meal before you exercise to give your body time to digest your food. Then get moving! Try a 10 to 15 minute walk several times a day. Stretching and yoga can also help constipation.

MYTH: COFFEE CAN FIX CONSTIPATION

It’s true that the caffeine in coffee can stimulate the muscles in your digestive system to contract, causing a bowel movement. So why isn’t it recommended as a fix for constipation? Coffee can actually make stools harder because it is also a diuretic, so it draws liquid out of stools. If you’re constipated, avoid coffee and other diuretics such as alcohol and caffeinated tea and cola.

MYTH: COLON CLEANSING WILL CLEAR ME OUT

Enemas and colon irrigation (high colonics) may temporarily remove body waste, but they’re not an effective way to prevent or cure constipation. Enemas can actually cause constipation in older people who get them regularly. Colonic irrigation, which is usually done by colonic hygienists or therapists, can damage the colon and can lead to other issues. Talk to doc if you’re considering the procedure.

MYTH: LAXATIVES WORK IMMEDIATELY

Depending on the type of over-the-counter laxative you use, you may need to wait a few minutes or few days to produce a bowel movement. A suppository might work within an hour. But you may need to take a bulk-forming fiber product everyday for several days to see results. Most over-the-counter laxatives are meant for short-term use, though. Overuse can lead to other digestive problems. Constipation usually lasts a few days and is rarely serious. Talk to doc if you need to use a laxative for more than two weeks.

FACT: STOOL SOFTENERS ARE LAXATIVES

Stool softeners prevent constipation by allowing stools to absorb more water from the colon. They prevent feces from hardening – softer stools leave the body easier. Like other laxatives, stool softeners should be taken for short-term relief. Talk to doc before combining stool softeners with laxatives or other constipation treatments. In some cases, doctors prescribe stool softeners for people such as surgery patients, who may need to avoid straining during bowel movements. Some preparations combine a stool softener with a stimulant laxative to activate bowel movement.

MYTH: CASTOR OIL IS A CURE-ALL

Castor oil is a powerful laxative. But like other laxatives, it should not be used long-term. Overusing laxatives can hurt your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and some medications. Castor oil can damage the bowel muscles, nerves, and tissue if overused – all of which can cause constipation. Use it only with a doctor’s guidance.

MYTH: CONSTIPATION IS ONLY AN OLDER PERSON’S CONDITION

Older people are more likely to become constipated, perhaps because of medical conditions, poor nutrition, greater use of medications, or not enough physical activity. But constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal issues among other age groups, too. And it’s not unusual during pregnancy or after childbirth or surgery. Remember, if you’re pregnant and considering taking something to relieve constipation, check with the doc.

See you next week.

People of the north, Dr. Victor Emanuel will be in Portsmouth on Fridays from 8 am to  3 pm at Bayside Medical Center across from the police station.

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18 Comments

  1. January 8, 2019

    Very Helpful Information. .

  2. August 4, 2013

    Appreciate this post. Will try it out.|

  3. April 3, 2013

    great info. but i want to highlight that not all supplement is bad.Supplements that contain probiotic nutrients is actually good for constipation

  4. Lexy
    July 26, 2012

    Well researched. Doc keep them flowing. Thanks a million.

  5. hope
    July 26, 2012

    i always look forward to your articles … i learn something new every time i read. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  6. out of south city
    July 26, 2012

    Dr. Emanuel, you always post such informative and important articles. Thanks for the great job that you’re doing. Keep it up.

  7. virgo
    July 26, 2012

    Thanks Doc, once more for all these good information until next week, at the same time if GOD permit.

  8. July 26, 2012

    Thanks GOOD DOC; you are simple the best; don’t stop, at least ihope you don’t,always looking forward for your articles.THANKS AGAIN.

  9. Alli
    July 26, 2012

    Very informative article and also very well written. The is really appreciated. Keep up the good work Dr. Emmanuel and thanks DNO for this opportunity for learning so much.

  10. Grotesque
    July 26, 2012

    Lovely, Very Lovely! It was worthy to the last word :)

  11. Justice and Truth
    July 26, 2012

    Doctor, excellent article. You covered it all. You did not miss a thing. I am aware of some of the information you stated in this informative article. Thank God I do not have that problem. So far so good.
    I try to also drink as much water as possible. Water is very important but not too many people drink enough especially in hot climates. The blood needs water to also pump the heart. It is said 6 to 8 glasses of water but not huge ones; medium ones. We could also get it in drinking tea, herbal as green tea. I sweeten it with honey.
    Someone told me drinking one glass of water prior to retiring for the night and two in the morning could help against heart attacks.
    Also drinking lemon juice in water first thing in the morning helps the immune system.
    Of course fruits, leafy greens and vegetables are important.
    Doctor, it is said that our body consists of more water than blood and that we need to replenish water in the body. Aside from other contributing factors, I often wonder if heart attacks, strokes and aneurisms may also be due to insufficient water in the blood?
    Prior to reading your article I drank two medium glasses of water. I appreciate water much more today than in previous years. I suppose I am older and read about the necessity of drinking ample water. :)
    Thank you doctor for your informative articles.

  12. Anonymous
    July 25, 2012

    Thanks Doc. I have a constipation problems so thanks for that info.

  13. Ki sah
    July 25, 2012

    Thanks for the knowledge shared. I read your article and tried to find some point to add to your information. You did a great job at it and covered all areas except stress. Anxiety may cause diarrhea or constipation. It is important to relax as much as you can when nature calls you to release

  14. speaking logic
    July 25, 2012

    thanks Doc…never too late to learn…

  15. precious
    July 25, 2012

    once again doc thank you for the info:-)

  16. Go do your homework
    July 25, 2012

    Dr Emmanuel, thanks so much for your “Health Talk” column. The information that you provide is really invaluable.

  17. mariecherie
    July 25, 2012

    thanks doc appreciate greatly.

  18. ummmm
    July 25, 2012

    very informative.

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