Constipation is a common occurrence and most people are affected by it. It can be defined as infrequent or incomplete bowel movements. The stools are often hard, dry and difficult to pass due to slow transit time through the gastrointestinal tract. Transit time refers to the amount of time between the intake of food and when it is excreted in the form of stool.

Opinions on the frequency of bowel movement vary drastically; while the conventional medical practitioners consider three times each week to be "normal" the holistic practitioners recommend two and three bowel movements every day. Their logic is based on the theory that three movements would match three meals daily, because in an ideal situation, when food enters the stomach, a nerve impulse is sent to the colon, prompting it to contract and release its contents. If allowed to function properly, this gastro-colic reflex would make us empty our colons after each meal.

Constipation is the mother of most diseases. In fact, most disorders in the body begin with constipation. The diseases that are directly caused by constipation include abdominal discomfort, rectal discomfort, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, lower back pain, and a general feeling of malaise. It is all because waste is accumulated in the body if the bowel transit time is slow. The accumulated waste will consequently decay or ferment, producing poisonous chemicals. This re-absorption of toxins into the body can increase the risk of developing colon disease and other serious digestive health problems.

Laxatives are not really a cure for constipation; they can be taken once in a while but not on regular basis. On the other hand, you should try nutritional approaches to prevent occasional constipation. A high-fiber diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds is the best thing to promote two to three healthy bowel movements each day. These foods soak up toxins in the digestive tract and sweep the colon free of debris by removing toxins from the intestinal wall. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Herbal supplements also help to cleanse and detoxify the body, and a gentle, natural colon cleanse formula can hydrate and strengthen the colon.

Constipation is not a disease but a habit. If you want to cure constipation from the very root, you must make lifestyle changes. For instance, wake up a little earlier each morning and allow yourself enough time to pass stool. Haste causes tension and that leads to the contraction of muscles blocking the passage. Also, try sitting in a squatting position to ensure that the colon is in the proper position for elimination.

Exercise is an effective way to stimulate the body's digestive process. About 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily can promote healthy elimination.