Constipation is usually caused by a diet which denies the body of roughage. It is quite possible that our ancestors did not suffer as much as we do in the modern world from the infrequent or difficult passing of hard, dry faeces known as constipation. Their diets would have been without the availability of such refined and rich foods that we today can find in our superstore shops.

Constipation can be very unpleasant particularly after straining or pushing a bowel movement or not having a bowel movement for more than 3 days. Constipation is common among children, the aged and pregnant women.

It is very important that we establish regular elimination habits, because straining bowel movements can cause blemishes which if not healed can become infected and cause other problems. There are a rang of related conditions to constipation such as hemorrhoids, bowel obstruction, chronic constipation, spastic colitis, hernia, depression, diabetes, diverticulosis, Parkinson's disease and lead poisoning; it is important that if your condition is considered much serious than constipation then you must consult a health profession for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Another consideration in helping prevent constipation is to make sure that you are getting enough exercise, physical exercise together with drinking plenty of water and having the correct amount of fibre-rich foods in a regular diet such as beans, bran cereals, fruits, raw vegetables, rice, and whole-grain breads will help to keep your body healthy and strong and free of ‘struggling' with bowel movements.

There are many alternative medicine and natural remedies available on this subject, including aromatherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, homeopathy etc., but often all will suggest an increase of fibre to the diet and intake of water, together with making sure that you are getting enough exercise each day; there is also a variety of herbs that have often been used successfully including Aloe, Dandelion, Ginger, Burdock root. When using natural herbs, it is important that you see a qualified specialist, proficient in understanding and administrating alternative medicine and/or natural remedies so that you can receive the best and safest treatment available.

The major causes of constipation are usually due to having a low fibre diet or dehydration. It is worth noting that every person both old and young have different bowel patterns, some of the symptoms associated with constipation are bloating, uncomfortable and sluggishness; these in general are not a serious problem although occasionally they may be a symptom of an underlying disorder, especially if they recently occur with an adult over the age of forty.

Many people simply do not drink enough water - that is unadulterated water; tea, coffee and fruit juice do not count. Drinking two or three pints of clear (preferably filtered) water every day will strengthen your general health and reduce your problems with constipation.

Natural remedies such as taking a tablespoon of cider vinegar sweetened with a teaspoon of honey or black strap molasses dissolved in a hot mug of water or two or three teaspoons of violet syrup on a bowel of strawberries a few times a week will certainly help to lubricate the system and help you keep free of constipation.