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Though it may be embarrassing to talk about, bowel movements are a part of life. Everyone on the planet produces feces. The problem is that many people do not want to talk about it when something goes wrong. Constipation is something that everyone will face sometime in their lives. And there are many products constantly being advertised to regulate the digestive system. Even some celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis are lending their image to products that will balance out the process. While a cup of yogurt may work for some, for others it requires medical intervention. A good diet is the start but even then things can still get backed up. Being constipated can make every moment of the day miserable. You desperately want to go to the bathroom but nothing happens. You feel bloated and very uncomfortable. You need answers and some helpful advice but feel embarrassed to talk about it to friends and family. This article may be able to help you get your questions answered and hopefully bring you some relief.

What is constipation?

As you know when you digest food or liquid your body pulls the nutrients from it that it needs. The rest is left as waste products. The liquid is filtered through your kidneys and comes out your bladder in the form of urine. The solid material is sent through as feces. Everyone has to get rid of the waste products in their body. For many people this is not a problem. They go to the bathroom regularly and have consistent bowel movements. But when those bowel movements begin to slow down or stop completely for a period of time, constipation occurs. The longer your body goes without a bowel movement, the harder it can become and it becomes backed up and can cause serious medical conditions.

Is being constipated dangerous?

The average person who battles constipation every now and again does not have much to worry about. There are many reasons why a person could be constipated and your body, for the most part, will resolve itself if you give it some TLC. But there are some conditions that manifest warning signs through being constipated. Prolonged constipation can be a sign that there is something seriously wrong with your colon and/or intestines. So if you find yourself constipated regularly and you are following a doctor’s orders for a diet rich in fiber and water, you may need to have further testing done to ensure that you do not have a bowel obstruction, a damaged colon or even cancer.

Are there ways to prevent constipation?

Yes there are ways to prevent constipation and unless there is a medical condition as the underlying cause, chances are you use these preventative measures each day. You should make sure you have plenty of fruit, vegetables and fiber in your diet daily. You should also make sure you are drinking enough. You should also try to limit your intake of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages since these have a diuretic effect and can make your stools harder. You also need to exercise regularly and always go to the bathroom when you have the urge rather than hold it.

What is the Bristol Stool Chart?

Though it may seem laughable there is actually a chart that physicians use to evaluate the consistency of a person’s stool and it helps determine if a person is constipated or not. There are 7 types of feces listed on the Bristol Stool Chart. Type 1 is when the stool is really hard to pass and comes out in hard lumps similar to nuts. Type 2 the stool is together but it is sausage-shaped and lumpy. Type 3 is similar to Type 2 but there are cracks on the surface and it is not as lumpy. Type 4 is smooth, soft and resembles a snake. Type 5 is when the stool is passed easily and it comes out in blobs that have clear-cut edges. Type 6 is a mushy stool that has jagged edges and looks “fluffy.” Type 7 is completely watery and is entirely liquid.

Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treat anxiety attacks as well as tips on the various panic disorder medications available at anxietydisordercure.com.