Constipation is passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel, usually fewer than three times a week. People who are constipated may find it difficult and painful to have a bowel movement. Other symptoms of constipation include feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.
 
Many people think they are constipated when, in fact, their bowel movements are regular. For example, some people believe they are constipated, or irregular, if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, there is no right number of daily or weekly bowel movements. Normal may be three times a day or three times a week depending on the person. Also, some people naturally have firmer stools than others.
 
At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. Poor diet and lack of exercise are usually the causes. In most cases, constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief.
 
Who gets constipated?
According to the National Health Survey, huge number of people in the India have frequent constipation. Those reporting constipation most often are women and adults age 65 and over. Pregnant women may have constipation, and it is a common problem following childbirth or surgery.
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the India . However, most people treat themselves without seeking medical help, as is evident from the lacs of rupees Indian spend on laxatives each year.
 
What causes constipation?
To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through the colon, it absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.
The hard and dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. Common causes of constipation are
 
1         Not enough fiber in the diet .
2         Not enough intake of liquids .
3         Lack of exercise .
4         Medications .
5         Irritable Bowel Syndrome .
6         Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel .
7         Abuse of laxatives .
8         Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement .
9         Specific diseases such as stroke (by far the most common) .
10       Problems with the colon and rectum .
11       Problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation) .