Then what exactly can cause constipation? One of the main causes of these hard and dry stools of constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water. This absorption of too much water happens when the colon's muscle contractions are also and sluggish, thus causing the stool to move through the colon much too slowly. Although there are other causes for constipation as well, we will only be discussing this particular cause in this article today.

Some other common causes of constipation includes the following:

• Not having enough fiber in our diet
• Not drinking enough healthy liquids
• A lack of exercise
• Some medications we take
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Changes in our lifestyles or routines, such as pregnancy, older age and even traveling
• Abusing laxatives
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement and keeping it in for long periods of time
• Some specific diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus
• Having problems with the colon and rectum
• Some problems with intestinal function, like chronic idiopathic constipation

How is constipation treated? Treatment depends on causes, severity and also the duration of the constipation, but in most cases dietary and lifestyle changes will help a great deal, if not even solve the problem completely. Simple dietary changes will also prevent constipation.

Then what should you include in your diet to change or prevent constipation? A diet with enough fiber, about 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day, will help to form soft bulky stool. An appropriate diet can be planned and worked out according to doctor's recommendations in extreme cases, but in most cases a dietitian can also work out a eating plan that will work wonders to relieve constipation. A list of high fiber foods includes beans, whole grains and b ran cereals, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables such as asparagus, brussel sprouts, cabbage and carrots. For those of us that are prone to constipation, it is important that we limit foods with little or no fiber content such as ice-cream, cheese, meat and processed foods.

But what about some lifestyle changes that we can make to improve or even prevent constipation. These changes include drinking enough water and other healthy liquids such as fruit and vegetables juices and clear soups. Daily exercising and general movement, and also making time to have a bowel movement, and take your time with this, take a book to read or page through a magazine but give it enough time and relax, do not rush it. Then also when you get the urge to go, then go, the urge to have a bowel movement should never be ignored.

Lets also take a quick look at laxatives. Over reliance on harsh laxatives can lead to irreparable damage. In case you really have to use laxatives, make sure to use products made from natural ingredients and let nature do its work efficiently and safely.

At times, chronic constipation does have very serious consequences on our health. Excessive straining causes hemorrhoids and rectal prolapsed, while hard stools can lead to anal fissures (tears) and fecal compaction.