Constipation ... Definition and Causes
Copyright 2004, Ginacor, Inc.

Constipation is the passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, 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.

The primary causes of constipation are:

1. Poor diet
2. Lack of exercise
3. Medications
4. Abuse of laxatives
5. Specific diseases

Constipation is one of the most common and uncomfortable digestive conditions people can experience. In fact, according to the 1996 National Health Interview Survey, about 3 million people in the United States have frequent constipation. If you are constipated, you want relief and you want it fast. Most people don't want to talk about it, it's just not pleasant, but it's a problem and it affects your life.

The information here is designed to give you some hard facts about constipation. In addition to the facts, there are hints and tips on how you can help yourself be rid of this problem. In fact, there are a lot of preventative things you can do to help yourself feel better. Don't be squeamish; just follow some simple preventative steps.

You can start your prevention program by squatting with the HealthStep® by Ginacor. REB Tagart (1966) did a study that measured the anorectal angle in various postures for eliminating waste, finding that the angle is partially straightened out when squatting. He concluded that squatting thereby reduced the pressure required for elimination and recommended a hips-flexed position for elimination to help treat constipation and prevent hemorrhoids. Squatting with the HealthStep® can be first step in getting relief from constipation.