Constipation

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Wrong Dietary Pattern and Diet

14.     Intake of acid forming, refined, fibreless and fried fat-rich starchy junk foods lacking in minerals/vitamins, insufficient intake of water, fruits and vegetables, consumption of meat in large quantities, insufficient chewing, overeating, wrong combination of foods, irregular habits of eating and late night eating, drinking, heavy and slow-digesting meals, may all contribute to poor bowel function. Small amounts of caffeine are useful but excessive caffeine consumed through tea, coffee, colas and alcohol causes digestive irregularity. Intolerance towards foods, such as milk, may also be responsible for constipation in some cases.

Fibre Deficiency

15.     All foods in their natural state contain a good percentage of fibre (roughage), which is most essential in preserving natural balance of foods and also in helping peristalsis – the natural rhythmic action by means of which the food is passed down the alimentary canal. Much of the food we eat today is very deficient in natural bulk or roughage and this results in chronic constipation. With the lack of bulk added by fibre in the diet, the intestine resembles a tube of toothpaste that is almost empty. The same difficulty you have in squeezing out that last bit of toothpaste is exactly the problem your intestine has without adequate fibre. Although peristaltic contractions are more forceful but less effective in evacuating the stool. Lack of fibre causes the stool to become small, hard and difficult to eliminate without intense straining. 

Inadequate Intake of Water/Fluids

16.     After wrong diets and inadequate intake of fibre, water is the next major cause of constipation. About two-thirds of the human body is water and the blood is about 90% water. Water is needed by the body for many physiological and metabolic processes. Drinking less water can lead to hyperacidity, gas formation, hard stool and chronic constipation.