Constipation and IBS or irritable bowel syndrome are two almost inseparable conditions. When one is present, it is not impossible for the other condition to exist. However, before we tackle about both conditions conjugally—let us first take a look at them singly.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is basically a digestive condition where a person fails to defecate at least once in three days… regardless of the consistency of the stool. Most commonly, constipation may present with such difficulty in passing out stool and most often than not, a constipated person may feel like something’s left still even after defecation.

What Is IBS?

On the other hand, IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a condition made evident by abdominal cramping and pain, gas and bloating, problems eliminating like constipation and diarrhea. Many cases of IBS are brought about by intake of foods which triggers its attack. Also, IBS can take place at any time, anywhere making it a very troublesome condition.

These reasons may constipation and IBS a common duo in terms of gastrointestinal conditions. And in this case, relief from constipation should be given emphasis since IBS can be a long-term and exacerbating problem—thus getting completely recovered and treated for IBS may be a little far from possible and some people with this condition have learned to live with it.

Causes of Constipation and IBS

Stress is a known factor for constipation and IBS. When we feel stressed, our body responds by shunting the blood supply from lesser vital body organs like the intestines to more vital organs like the brain, heart, kidneys and lungs. As such, the intestines do not get the exact amount of blood it needs to function well. When stress happens more frequently or if you are suffering from chronic stress, imagine how deprived your digestive organs will be.

As such, it is a must to prevent too much stress from taking its toll in your life. Remember, every stressful minute kills a lot healthy cells in your body—so live a healthy and stress free life. Practice relaxation techniques and stress management.

Some foods are also known triggers for constipation and IBS and have been known to make the condition much worse. Such foods include caffeine containing foods and drinks, milk and dairy products, chocolate and alcohol.

How to Prevent Constipation and IBS?

First is to eat variety of foods and avoid those foods high in cholesterol and rich in fat. These foods are the hardest to digest and tend to cling to the intestine’s walls. Drinking plenty of water is also a great diet against constipation and IBS. More fluid can make the consistency of your stool softer and easier to pass.

Avoid the use of laxatives. It is true that many people tend to self medicate with laxatives—however, this is considered an unhealthy practice because it weakens a person’s intestines and makes it independent to laxatives.

Lastly, eating small amounts of foods in short intervals is a good way in helping your colon deal with a manageable amount of food particles at a time. This will lead to a more efficient method of breaking down foods and a better and less stressful elimination experience.

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• constipation • what is constipation • worst constipation triggers • duo bowel • laxatives make ibs better or worse forum • troublesome duo

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