Severe constipation has been linked with increased risk for chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
Common Condition That Influences People's Health
Almost everyone gets to experience being constipated, when the bowel movement is tough or may happen less often than normal.
Constipation has been linked to unwanted health problems. Its short-term effects include abdominal pain, bloating and the presence of small amounts of blood or whitish mucus in the stool. Although occasional constipation is common, some people experience chronic constipation.
Chronic, long-term constipation causes more harmful effects, with an earlier study showing a link between chronic constipation and cardiovascular disease. The condition has also been associated with hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Constipation And Kidney Disease
Now, a new study suggests a relationship between severe constipation and kidney problems. For the new research, which involved more than 3.5 million U.S. veterans, researchers have found that people who did not experience constipation have a lower risk of developing kidney problems later in life compared with those who did.
The findings of the new study, which was published online in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology on Nov. 10, suggest that diagnosis and management of constipation may help in preventing and treating kidney disease.
"Constipation status and severity associate with higher risk of incident Chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease and with progressive eGFR decline, independent of known risk factors. Further studies should elucidate the underlying mechanisms," study researcher Csaba Kovesdy, from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and colleagues, wrote in their study.
How To Prevent And Treat Constipation
Constipation may happen with intake of antacid medicines that contain calcium or aluminum, changes in diet or activities, consumption of a lot of dairy products and because of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
Not getting enough water or fiber in the diet, however, is a common cause of constipation. Drinking more water during the day is recommended unless a doctor advises to limit fluids for another reason.
Fiber promotes movement of material through the digestive system and increased stool bulk so getting enough fiber by eating more fruits and vegetables can benefit those who suffer from irregular stools and constipation.
Apples, carrots, and beans are good sources of fiber. Eating prunes and bran cereals is also recommended for those suffering from constipation.
A 2014 study also suggested that probiotics can help ease constipation.
