Know the facts about frequency
Being “regular” is different for everyone. For some, it may mean going 3 times a week or 3 times a day. And for others, it may mean going every day. That’s important to know. There’s no perfect frequency for bowel movements. Everyone’s body is different. But, if you go fewer than 3 times a week, that may be a symptom of chronic constipation.What causes chronic constipation?
The truth is that we don't always know what causes chronic constipation. It could be for unknown reasons, often referred to as "idiopathic." It could be due to an underlying medical illness or certain medications that you take. You could eat fiber all day long and still have it. Even if it's unclear what causes the condition, you need to know it's a real issue and that it's important to get a medical evaluation to determine the cause.Your digestive system
The only part of the digestive process you control is what you eat and drink. The rest happens naturally. Digestion of food and eventually expelling waste takes between 24 and 48 hours. The digestion process is about breaking down food and drink into small nutrients that your body uses for nourishment.The digestive system is a series of organs that are joined from the mouth to the anus. Each of these organs contains muscles that allow food and liquid to move through your system. Movement through the esophagus, stomach, and intestine is called peristalsis. Peristalsis starts as soon as you swallow food.
Nutrients from the food you eat are eventually absorbed by your small intestine, and they're transported all over your body. What remains is mostly fluid and waste, and it's pushed toward your colon.
Expelling food waste
Your colon works to expel waste by both releasing and absorbing fluid as stool is pushed toward the rectum. Keeping these fluids in balance is key. That way, waste is formed, but soft enough to expel.Also, the colon's muscle contractions matter. The form of stool—whether it's hard or soft—is also determined by the pace at which stool moves through the colon.
If your colon absorbs too much water or the muscle contractions are slow, stool is left hard and dry. And it's too difficult to expel. That's constipation.
Do I have it?
