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Constipation Problems
Constipation
(10 Mar 2010)
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Constipation is one of those issues of the gastrointestinal system that is caused by a bad diet. The problem is easily treatable though it must be done quickly; otherwise the complications could lead to more serious gastrointestinal conditions. This is what happens in the extreme cases of a condition called fecal impaction.
This is a condition in which feces in the colon becomes as hard as a rock and prevents regular bowel motions. Untreated, constipation, even without fecal impactions, can cause hemorrhoids to develop.
To understand why constipation happens, you have to understand how the digestive system works. When food is ingested it travels down the food pipe to the stomach where it is broken down by stomach acids and an enzyme called pepsin. After a few hours, a valve at the bottom of the stomach opens and dumps the pulp into the small intestine where it is acted on by other enzymes and bile. In the small intestine, the peristaltic movements of the intestine push the food forward over a length of six feet in the small intestines. As it passes, it is acted on by bacteria that break it down further, the nutrients and water content is further absorbed along the way by enterocytes, the intestinal absorption cells. What cannot be digested is passed from a junction of the small intestine and colon, past the appendix, to the large intestine or colon. Here, water is reabsorbed from the waste into the blood stream and, normally, the food is sent to the rectum for storage and excretion.
Things go wrong when too much water is absorbed, or if you have a low fiber diet. Excess water absorption happens when you are dehydrated. Fiber plays a role in constipation because it traps water. A diet that is rich in tuberous and tough vegetables cannot be digested, and so is passed to the colon; however, it holds water excellently, and this prevents feces from hardening to the point that it cannot be excreted. Fecal impaction occurs when hardened feces have accumulated to such a point that it blocks the colon. This has to be treated with the help of an enema that introduces water and might have to be repeated over a period of a few sessions. To prevent constipation, eat a diet that is rich in whole wheat, bran, legumes, and hard and tough vegetables. A diet consisting, only of meat and dairy products is usually the primary cause for constipation.
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answered by G M on 10 Mar 2010, 4:05:39
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