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Constipation is a

health

problem that affects, according to surveys,

two out of ten Spaniards

.

Although if we go to the laxative sales figures, the reality is quite different, and everything seems to point to the fact that it affects more people than they recognize.

And it is that going to the bathroom well is one of those things that is not valued as it should until you stop going, and it can become a real problem when this situation goes on too long.

When do we talk about constipation?

Technically, we can consider that you have constipation when you have less than three bowel movements in a week.

But

we cannot limit the diagnosis only to the number of times

a person goes to the bathroom, we must take into account

other factors such as abdominal pain,

feeling of incomplete evacuation after going to the bathroom, swollen abdomen, having to make a lot of effort when going to the bathroom and the presence of hard stools, usually in the form of small balls.

Does it affect men or women more?

Women, in particular,

are affected twice more than us

.

If we look at age, statistics tell us that people

over 60 years of age

are more affected by this intestinal problem than younger people.

How many times should you go to the bathroom a day?

There is no rule,

there is no number of times that is considered normal

, since it is something very personal that depends on each person.

There are people who go every other day, people who go twice a day... Everyone has their own bowel habits.

When should I go to the doctor?

We have seen that

each person has their own bowel habits

, but if we suddenly stop going to the bathroom normally,

four days have passed and we cannot

have a bowel movement, we have bloating and abdominal pain... it is time to take it seriously.

Also

whenever the stool is accompanied by blood

, but this regardless of whether we have constipation or not.

What is the cause of constipation?

The cause can be due to many factors, but usually the culprit has to do with our lifestyle.

A

low intake of fiber in the diet

, leading a

sedentary life

,

drinking little water, stress, changes in usual schedules

, a trip...

Also

some drugs can cause constipation

, especially those intended to relieve pain and some heart diseases.

We cannot forget that

constipation can sometimes be related to other diseases

that the person suffers from, such as thyroid problems.

How can I solve it without resorting to drugs?

Resorting to the

consumption of laxatives or suppositories

to solve constipation

should not become something routine

, but it should be something to resort to in a timely manner.

If the

main cause of constipation is our lifestyle

, by improving them we can solve a good part of these intestinal problems.

Increase water intake

, adding several extra glasses of water to our routine, eating

foods rich in fiber

such as fruits and vegetables,

increasing the physical activity

we do every day,

reducing our stress levels

to give us time to go to the bathroom. he deserves, and, above all, not resist the urge to go to the bathroom.

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