Very few people like to talk about constipation. It can be embarrassing and you may feel self-conscious about it. You know it can be both painful and frustrating if you’ve suffered from this problem.
Everyone will need one of the many constipation remedies at least once in a while in their life. Approximately 2% of the population in the U.S is affected by constipation. Females and seniors are most commonly affected. Constipation can be a concern, though it’s not usually serious.
If you’re one of 30 to 50 million people who suffers from lactose intolerance milk may not be good for your needs. Lactose intolerance results from an inability to digest the natural sugar (lactose) found in milk. You can reap the nutritional benefits of dairy products because there are ways to manage lactose intolerance.
When bowel movements become difficult or less frequent constipation occurs. Generally if you a good rule of thumb you should have at least one bowel movement a day or you may need one of the many constipation remedies. Some people have bowel movements up to as much as three times a day; while others only have a bowel movement one or two times a week, although this is not the norm, if this is your normal routine do not worry if you are having soft movable stools when you have your bowel movements. However, if you are going longer than three days without a bowel movement, that is too long. The stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass after three days.
You are considered constipated if you have two or more of the following for at least 3 months. 1) If you are straining more than 25% of the time during a bowel movement. 2) If you have hard stools more than 25% of the time. 3) If you have partial evacuation more than 25% of the time. 4) 2 or less bowel movements per a week.
Please seek the advice of your physician if over the counter remedies are not working for you and you remain constipated after 3 days and experience any of the above.