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What is constipation?

 Author: All-Bran | 18.05.2015

Constipation is a common condition. It means that you’re not passing stools as regularly as normal or your stools maybe hard or difficult to pass. It affects one in seven UK adults at any one time, so you’re not alone.


Everybody’s bowel habits are different. It can be perfectly normal for someone to pass stools several times each day, just as it can be equally as normal for someone to only ‘go’ every 1-2 days.


"Regularity is the key. If you have a natural daily rhythm internally, this will reflect in your everyday mood and comfort."


According to experts, you are constipated if you:

 

  • Have less than three bowel movements in a week

  • Need to strain during a bowel movement on more than a quarter of occasions

  • Are passing a hard or pellet-like stool on more than a quarter of occasions

  • Retain a feeling of discomfort even after visiting the bathroom on more than a quarter of occasions

what_is_constipation

What causes constipation?


Constipation severity can vary from person to person. Often it is short-lived, but for some people it can be long-term (chronic), which causes discomfort and can affect quality of life.


Constipation can be the result of a number of factors:

 

  • A lack of fibre,

  • Changes to your daily routine or lifestyle

  • Ignoring the urge to ’go’

  • Certain medications can affect your digestive system

  • Not drinking enough fluids

  • Anxiety or depression

  • Pregnancy

  • Various medical conditions


what_is_constipation

Constipation or discomfort can occasionally be a sign that something else isn’t quite right. It’s always advisable to consult your doctor if you feel any changes in your bathroom habits. No need to worry though, as symptoms can often be relieved by a simple change to your diet or lifestyle.


Use our fibre-licious recipes to help improve your diet and regularity:
https://www.kelloggs.co.uk/en_GB/recipes.html



Related articles:

 

"Your digestive health can play an important role in your overall wellbeing."


MORE TIPS & ADVICE

Health

10g of wheat bran fibre per day helps reduce digestive transit time. ALL-BRAN contains at least 3-6g wheat bran fibre per serve. Enjoy as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

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