Constipation is a problem that causes discomfort and frustration, but not many people know that its effects can, in some cases, go far beyond a mild or moderate nuisance. In fact, straining and forcing due to constipation have a negative impact on many parts of the body, including the heart.
About constipation
Although nearly everyone thinks they know what "constipation" means, you might be surprised to learn that not all medical experts agree on a definition. Yes, constipation refers to infrequent, hard, and difficult to pass bowel movements in broad terms, but beyond that, the specific definitions vary. Some say that constipation is a condition in which there is no bowel movement for at least three consecutive days and the stool is hard, while others define moving the bowels less than three times a week as constipation. Some experts also call it constipation when the stool is hard 25% of the time, or if the bowel movement is strenuous and incomplete 25% of the time.
Everyone gets a little constipated once in a while, for example after eating certain types of food or simply because of inadequate water intake or extremely hot weather. However, the reasons for constipation can sometimes be much more serious. Constipation is not a disease, but instead more of a symptom. The underlying cause can be something innocuous, but it can also be a serious disease that requires medical evaluation.
Constipation can be a one-time problem, solved in a short time, or it can be chronic. Chronic constipation should never be taken lightly, because it can seriously damage a person's health.
Constipation and the heart: What is the connection?
Some of the causes of constipation can also be harmful for the heart. For example, constipation is sometimes linked with high blood sugar levels, which also causes heart problems. Also, just like a high intake of dietary fiber improves constipation, it also improves the health of the heart by reducing the risk of a heart attack. So if your constipation is caused by a lack of fiber, your heart could be suffering as well.
Many scientific studies have been performed to establish the role of dietary fiber in human health. All of them have found that a high fiber intake reduces the levels of cholesterol and helps with hypertension and obesity. High cholesterol, hypertension and obesity are all strongly linked to constipation as well.
The recommended daily intake of dietary fiber is between 25 and 35 grams per day. Sadly, the average American only gets about 15 grams. Adequate intake of water soluble fiber can reduce the risk of diabetes, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, polyps and constipation and it is one of the best ways to prevent colon cancer.
There is another link between constipation and the heart. Many experts claim that a healthy colon is absolutely essential for good overall health. Periodic colon cleanses may eliminate waste matter that accumulated for years in the colon and they restore the colon’s ability to absorb all the important nutrients.
If the colon is unclean or clogged, it puts a strain on the immune system. As such, the risk of cancer increases and all this puts an additional strain on the heart. The connection between a healthy colon and a healthy heart is obvious when you stop to consider it.
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