Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week, and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. I disagree.  We all know how it feels if you miss a day without a bowel movement. Something is off. You become a bloating, gassy and crampy mess.  If we are not having at least two big soft stools everyday, we are constipated.

A better definition of constipation is a change in bowel habits producing infrequent stools, reduced stool size or hard stools that are difficult to pass.  A gradual onset of constipation would lead me to believe that it would be related to diet and lifestyle.  A sudden onset of constipation could be the result of many things such as a bowel obstruction, a dramatic dietary change or the side effect from a medication.

What causes constipation?

Constipation is generally caused by low-fiber diets, dehydration, lack of exercise and the use of constipating medications.  Other causes could be psychological stress, pregnancy, trauma or a blockage somewhere in the bowel.  Once a person has constipation, the use of stimulant laxatives can actually make the problem worse.  Overuse of laxatives can create a situation where the only time a person has a bowel movement is with the aid of a laxative.

What happens to my colon if I am constipated?

Your colon will begin to stretch and grow to accommodate all the extra waste that you are not eliminating.  As the colon stretches it will loose muscle tone and make the problem worse.  The transverse colon, which is the part of the colon that runs horizontally across your mid section, can begin to sag.

This sagging creates a condition called a prolapsed colon.  The colon falls into the organ below, which will make constipation an even worse problem.

What are the some of the common conditions associated with chronic constipation?

About half of the population has hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are usually caused by straining to have a bowel movement.  Hemorrhoids or varicose veins of the anus and rectum are enlarged, bulging blood vessels around the anus. These can be quite painful and can result in the equally painful surgery.

Rectal bleeding can occur when a hard stool stretches the anal sphincter. This can be quite alarming and usually appears as bright red streaks on the surface of the bowel movement or the toilet paper.

Constipation may also cause a condition called fecal impaction.  Accumulated wastes pack the intestine and rectum so tightly that the normal pushing action of the colon is not enough to expel the stool. Fecal impaction can be a problem particularly for older adults and people with limited mobility. An impaction may have to be removed by the doctor inserting one or two fingers into the anus. Ouch!

Can this be why my stomach is not flat?

Constipation can cause the lower intestinal area to sag or to distend.  Many people find even after they lose weight they still have a pooch.  This can be the result of many things, including a prolapsed or impacted colon.

How much impacted waste can be in my colon?

Impacted waste can accumulate in the colon.  A story in the January 11, 1999 issue of USA Today stated that  “Most people have 5-10 pounds of matter stored in their colon….  According to autopsies, John Wayne had 40 lbs and Elvis had 60 lbs.”

What kind of effect can a clogged colon have on my health?

A congested colon can be related to many health problems such as fatigue, poor digestion, headaches, gas, bloating, hemorrhoids, excess weight and even bad breath.   According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the second leading form of cancer in the U.S after lung cancer.  Now the studies don’t actually look at whether the people who are getting colon cancer were  having sluggish and constipated bowel movements, but having aclean colon could certainly reduce the risk of cancer and disease.

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