Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult passing of hard bowel movements. Normal bowel movements can vary from daily activity to three times a week. Consider yourself constipated if your normal pattern changes. Resisting the urge to eliminate may cause an alteration of normal bowel activity. Certain medications can cause hard infrequent stools such as iron preparations, calcium supplements, tranquilizers, diuretics, antacids and antidepressants.
Constipation is common in pregnancy and in hypothyroidism.
Fiber holds water and adds bulk in the intestine, so the stool is larger and softer. As it pushes against the walls of the intestinal tract, muscles move the stool downward. Other conditions associated with low fiber intake are hemorrhoids, colon cancer, diabetes. To keep all systems working, here are the basic guidelines. Eat 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day from whole grains, bran, legumes and fresh fruits and vegetables.