Chances are you have experienced some form of bloating or constipation at one point in your life. According to Dr. Peyton Berookim of the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California, bloating and constipation are two of the most common complaints from patients, with over 4 million people suffering from this uncomfortable GI issue. The causes of constipation and bloating can usually be easily altered to make sure you do not experience this stomach problem. We have some tips to help you avoid constipation and bloating, as well as for what to do when the issue occurs. If you have had constipation symptoms for more than two weeks, be sure contact Dr. Berookim to receive extra help and treatment and to make sure it is not the sign of a greater issue.
What Is Constipation?
Feeling constipated and bloated definitely take a toll on your day to
day quality of life. Constipation is defined as having three or fewer
bowel movements a week. You should be having bowel movements daily,
so if you notice a change in this consistency, you may be constipated.
It is important to be aware of how often you have a bowel movement,
as a healthy body passes stool regularly.
Bloating is a common result of constipation, and is often described as
swelling or tightness in your abdomen. Bloating can quickly become
painful for patients. To stay healthy, you need to pass the food you
digest through your body! So if you are experiencing any of the
symptoms of constipation, check out these tips to help you get your
stool moving and consider contacting us for a consultation.
Preventing Constipation
There are many causes of constipation but if you avoid unhealthy
behavior, you can easily prevent this uncomfortable situation. What
you eat has a great effect on how your body processes and digests food
that become stool. If you eat processed foods like packaged or fast
foods, your body may not receive enough fiber. A diet rich in fiber,
fruits and vegetables helps the body digest and pass food easily.
Make sure you are eating fiber-rich foods like beans and whole grains,
as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables throughout the day, with
every meal.
Dehydration is another common cause of constipation. Make sure that
you are also drinking enough water throughout the day. Water helps
break down particles and helps move food throughout your body. Eating
fruits and drinking water are the best ways to prevent dehydration and
therefore constipation!
A lack of exercise can also be the cause of constipation! Whether you
go on walks around your neighborhood or partake in group activities
like basketball or ballroom dancing, you should find ways to keep your
body moving! Also, if you feel the urge to go to the bathroom, always
listen to your body.
If you stay hydrated, have a healthy fibrous diet, are active and
still suffer from constipation, it may be the result of certain
medications, a malfunctioning thyroid, IBS or other stomach issues.
If constipation persists, see your GI specialist!
Contact Your GI Doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of constipation or bloating and would
like a consultation with a GI specialist, contact Dr. Berookim! At
Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California, Dr. Berookim treats
many patients for constipation and helps discover if it is a sign of a
greater health issue. Call today at (310) 271-1122 to schedule an
appointment!