至尊英语阅读资料之健康与卫生专题第537集.pdfVIP

health articles 537 [13401]How to Find Your Cause of Constipation Have you ever experienced constipation? Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week, especially if hard stools are being passed and physical straining is involved. If this condition lasts for more than 12 months, it is referred to as chronic constipation. Almost everyone has experienced constipation at some time, and chronic constipation afflicts up to 10% of the population. The chance of experiencing constipation rises rapidly as age increases beyond 65. Constipation is often considered to be a very private problem. You may find the whole subject distasteful and would rather not admit that youre having problems with bowel movements. Constipation is not a disease, but rather is a symptom. Even if you would prefer not to seek the advice of a doctor, its important to determine your cause of constipation. One of the most common causes of constipation, and one of the easiest to remedy, is your diet. Specifically, if youre not getting enough fiber in your diet, you stand a greater chance of experiencing constipation. The colon is where water is extracted from waste matter before the waste matter is eliminated from your body. If too much water is extracted, the waste matter may become very hard and difficult to pass, causing constipation. Fiber helps to remedy this problem by retaining water and adding bulk. This means that your waste matter will move more quickly and easily through your colon. For optimum colon health, you should be taking in at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber every day (instead of the five to 20 grams youre probably getting). You can increase your fiber intake easily by eating more wheat bran, whole grain cereals, fresh fruits, dried fruits, vegetables and breads with whole grain. Its also important to drink at least 64 ounces of fluid daily, preferably in the form of water or juice. Poor lifestyle habits can also be a cause