Constipation, a health problem: poor bowel function. If it is not related to any disease, it is possible that the cause is bad eating habits, or a reflection of reduced consumption of fiber and water and excessive fats and sugars.

The reduction in the number of daily bowel movements at longer intervals to 48 and 72 hours leads to increased water absorption by the intestinal mucosa, the hardening of the stool and therefore more difficult to pass through the rectum. Add to a diet higher in fiber helps to improve the situation. The fibers are that part of the food is not digested but absorbed by the body to produce energy.

In addition accelerating the passage of food wasted by the body, they absorb toxins and help maintain healthy gastrointestinal tract. According to its solubility in water, the fibers are classified as: Soluble, found in vegetables, fruits, cereals (oats) and legumes (beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas). Facilitate digestion, help to develop the intestinal mucosa, increase glucose tolerance and help in reducing total cholesterol levels, among other assignments. Insoluble found mostly in vegetables, wheat bran and whole grains. Help to increase the frequency of bowel movements and number of enable protection against bacterial infections, among other functions. The food industry provides consumers with nutritional supplements, in various versions and flavors. Many of them are rich in fiber.

Lack of exercise and even emotional problems can lead to constipation. It is safer to adopt a diet under the supervision of a nutritionist, since the intake of fiber has to be made according to age and physiological state of the person, such as pregnancy or the presence or absence of disease.