Most people think of constipation as just not being able to "go" enough. We don't focus on specifics such as hard pellet stools or straining. Only after the process becomes too uncomfortable or too inconvenient, do we start seeking a solution. We then become aware we have a long standing problem, chronic constipation.
It's not uncommon to have bouts of constipation. Eating the wrong foods for a period of time, easing off exercise, not just getting the amount of fluids right, can give us constipation. Life changes such as pregnancy can wreak havoc with this system. Being so busy we ignore the urge to go. Traveling may change our bowel habits for the worse.
CHRONIC CONSTIPATION IS NOT A DISEASE
Constipation is a symptom and not a disease. The chronic constipation of the vast majority of adults is a functional disorder. Functional disorders have no structural pathology, hormonal or biochemical problems. Functional chronic constipation may be caused by an underlying neurological, psychosomatic or psychological issue.
Chronic constipation has a precise set of criteria. These criteria define a length of time to properly evaluate frequency and difficulty in defecating.
THE ROME CRITERIA AND CHRONIC CONSTIPATION
Following are the Rome criteria for evaluating the presence of chronic constipation.
According to these criteria, the time-frame for evaluating chronic constipation is 12 months. If two or more of the following problems occur over at least 12 weeks. you have chronic constipation. These 12 weeks do not have to be consecutive.
(1) Straining over 25% of the time.
(2) Hard, lumpy or pellet like stools for more than 25% of the time.
(3) A feeling of incomplete evacuation for greater than 25% of the time.
(4) Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockade again for greater than 25% of the time.
(5) Needing to use manual maneuvers to remove stool - again for greater than 25% of the time.
(6) And finally, the issue of frequency: less than 3 times a week.
The following conditions also apply:
1) Insufficient criteria to establish irritable bowel syndrome (ibs). Irritable bowel syndrome is distinguished by abdominal pain, bloating and discomfort relieved by defecation. At the onset of the disorder there is a change in appearance and frequency of stool.
2) Loose stools occur only when taking a laxative.
Remember, whenever you notice changes in bowel habits, you must discuss these changes with a physician.
HARD PELLET STOOLS ALONE NOT A SURE SIGN OF CHRONIC CONSTIPATION
From this, we learn that occasional occurrences of hard pellet stools alone does not mean chronic constipation. Similarly, you don't have to worry about having just three bowel movements a week. Though it seems everyone is saying you should have 7-21, three might be just right for you.
Showing posts with label hard pellet stools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hard pellet stools. Show all posts
Monday, August 3, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Hard Pellet Stools and Constipation: The Causes of Hard Pellet Stools
In order to understand why hard pellet stools occur it is important to understand how constipation occurs. Multiple factors cause the common form of constipation.
What the Colon Does
The colon forms, approximately 5.5 ft long, forms the major part of the large intestine. It consists of the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon.
The colon deals with the end stage of the digestive process. Water is reabsorbed from the ascending colon creating a more solid waste product. The descending colon excretes the waste.
Rhythmic contractions of the smooth muscle of the colon in moving the waste material down to the rectum. These rhythmic contractions, termed peristalsis, are supplemented by the body's "core" muscles.
Avoiding Pellet Stools: The Importance of Water
As can be seen from the above, the removal of water is fundamental to the functioning of the colon. Insufficient intake of water can result in constipation and extremely hard stools. While the colon removes water, to conserve water, sufficient water is required for the colon to function properly.
The kind of fluid drunk is also of critical importance. If you drink too much caffeine containing coffee, teas, and sodas, you will reduce the amount of free water available to the body. These drinks are diuretics, promoting the loss of water in the urine.
Of course, if your doctor prescribes diuretics, you will follow his/her instructions. If you have any questions of the effect of prescribed diuretics on your colon health, you will consult your physician.
Fiber and Difficult to Void Pellet Stools
Fiber, also known as roughage, aids in bowel regularity. Fiber absorbs water, so it keeps feces, the end waste product of digestion, moist.
Getting fiber in the diet is quite simple. Vegetables, whole grains, and beans are a good source of fiber. There are a couple of problems with fiber:
1 - If you don't drink enough water, you will just get even more constipated.
2 - For some people, gas becomes a problem.
If you want to know more about foods that make you poop see http://foodsthatmakeyoupoopinfo.com.
Exercise Away Those Hard Stools
Exercise has many wonderful benefits, including bowel regularity. A simple exercise like walking, involves multiple muscles. While we may not be aware of it, our core muscles surrounding the abdomen are contracting and relaxing. This helps bowel movement in the colon.
Any exercise that gets you up and moving will be a great help in relieving the pain and distress of hard pellet stools.
Get Rid of Hard Pellet Stools with Colon Cleansing
Overcoming constipation and those distressing uncomfortable pellet stools is not accomplished overnight. Proper dietary and lifestyle changes do go a long way in overcoming the problems. But years of abuse of your colon require mote than a quick fix.
However, there are ways of jump starting the process. One way to regain colon health is to cleanse the colon. There are messy, smelly, time involving ways requiring assistance. There are also simpler ways to get the same benefits on your own.
A great way to do this is to start using a healthy all-natural supplement. Get your free trial right here.
What the Colon Does
The colon forms, approximately 5.5 ft long, forms the major part of the large intestine. It consists of the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon.
The colon deals with the end stage of the digestive process. Water is reabsorbed from the ascending colon creating a more solid waste product. The descending colon excretes the waste.
Rhythmic contractions of the smooth muscle of the colon in moving the waste material down to the rectum. These rhythmic contractions, termed peristalsis, are supplemented by the body's "core" muscles.
Avoiding Pellet Stools: The Importance of Water
As can be seen from the above, the removal of water is fundamental to the functioning of the colon. Insufficient intake of water can result in constipation and extremely hard stools. While the colon removes water, to conserve water, sufficient water is required for the colon to function properly.
The kind of fluid drunk is also of critical importance. If you drink too much caffeine containing coffee, teas, and sodas, you will reduce the amount of free water available to the body. These drinks are diuretics, promoting the loss of water in the urine.
Of course, if your doctor prescribes diuretics, you will follow his/her instructions. If you have any questions of the effect of prescribed diuretics on your colon health, you will consult your physician.
Fiber and Difficult to Void Pellet Stools
Fiber, also known as roughage, aids in bowel regularity. Fiber absorbs water, so it keeps feces, the end waste product of digestion, moist.
Getting fiber in the diet is quite simple. Vegetables, whole grains, and beans are a good source of fiber. There are a couple of problems with fiber:
1 - If you don't drink enough water, you will just get even more constipated.
2 - For some people, gas becomes a problem.
If you want to know more about foods that make you poop see http://foodsthatmakeyoupoopinfo.com.
Exercise Away Those Hard Stools
Exercise has many wonderful benefits, including bowel regularity. A simple exercise like walking, involves multiple muscles. While we may not be aware of it, our core muscles surrounding the abdomen are contracting and relaxing. This helps bowel movement in the colon.
Any exercise that gets you up and moving will be a great help in relieving the pain and distress of hard pellet stools.
Get Rid of Hard Pellet Stools with Colon Cleansing
Overcoming constipation and those distressing uncomfortable pellet stools is not accomplished overnight. Proper dietary and lifestyle changes do go a long way in overcoming the problems. But years of abuse of your colon require mote than a quick fix.
However, there are ways of jump starting the process. One way to regain colon health is to cleanse the colon. There are messy, smelly, time involving ways requiring assistance. There are also simpler ways to get the same benefits on your own.
A great way to do this is to start using a healthy all-natural supplement. Get your free trial right here.
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