The digestive system in action

Very simply, the digestive process is the means by which food taken into our bodies is used to provide us with energy and nutrients needed for growth and renewal, with anything that is not used expelled as waste. All of this takes place in the 'gastro-intestinal tract'. This starts at the mouth where food enters the body and ends at the anus where waste leaves the body. The total length of the digestive tract is an amazing nine metres!

On the next pages, you will find animated diagrams which show this system in action when it is healthy and when it is constipated. You will then find animated diagrams that show how Senokot Tablets and Senokot Hi-Fibre work to relieve constipation.

• A healthy digestive system
• A constipated digestive system
• How Senokot Tablets work
• How Senokot Hi-Fibre works
• How Senokot Dual Relief Works

Via: http://www.constipationadvice.co.uk

Constipation Causes

Just because you get constipation doesn't mean you are unhealthy or even that you have an unhealthy lifestyle. You can follow a high-fibre diet, exercise every day, drink lots of water yet still get constipation from time to time. Even from childhood some people just seem to be more susceptible than others. There's really no need to feel you've brought constipation on yourself.

However, certain things make constipation more likely:

Diet - Dietary fibre provides the bulk that helps to speed the passage of waste food through the bowel. Lack of fibre results in harder, more compact stools, which take longer to pass through.

• Lack of fluids - the body needs 1.5-2 litres a day to function efficiently. Without sufficient fluids, waste matter dries out, making it harder to move through the bowel.
• Lack of exercise - if you don't exercise often, things can slow down including the muscle contractions that move waste matter through the bowel.
• Holiday constipation - is quite common. Any change of routine or diet can cause constipation.
• Pregnancy - hormonal and physical changes are probable causes.
• Menopause and menstruation - hormonal and lifestyle changes at these times can cause constipation.

Stress - constipation can be caused by stress but stress can also be a symptom of constipation.

• Ageing - a lot of bodily functions slow down with age and the digestive system is just one of them.
• Medicines - some commonly used medicines are known to cause constipation, particularly certain painkillers (e.g. codeine), iron tablets and some antacids (e.g aluminium hydroxide).
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sufferers often have constipation, sometimes alternating with diarrhoea. In IBS, cramping pains and discomfort in the bowel and rectum are common.

The important thing is to treat constipation as soon as it occurs.

Click here to find out how you can treat constipation »

Constipation and Bloating

Constipation can have a host of unpleasant symptoms, like irritability, for example, or lethargy. Most of all, however, many sufferers experience bloating as well.

In fact, apart from not being able to go to the loo, bloating is the number one symptom of constipation.

In a recent study, 84% of respondents said they suffered bloating with constipation*.

Besides feeling bloated, you can also have a slightly swollen tummy, sometimes you even want to loosen your belt.

Being constipated is bad enough without bloating, so it helps to know what causes this uncomfortable side effect.

What causes bloating?

When you get constipated, over time, the waste in your lower intenstines can literally build up. When this happens, gases are released, which are trapped in your bowel. This build-up of gases along with constipation is what produces that bloated feeling - and it can be quite painful, too.

Bloating can also have other causes such as IBS or lactose intolerance. If you suffer frequently and are experiencing a lot of discomfort, do not hesitate to consult your GP.

Symptoms of Constipation

Symptoms vary between sufferers. Some people just experience a spot of difficulty, having to 'strain' on the toilet, while others may have physical discomfort, particularly:

• wind
• bloating
• stomach pains/stomach cramps

Constipation doesn't just cause gastrointestinal symptoms, people often experience the following problems when their digestive systems slow down:

• lethargy
• headache
• irritability
• feeling 'down in the dumps'

These symptoms can lead to a lack of confidence, perhaps feeling less buoyant than usual, in fact constipation can really spoil your day. Unfortunately, you may not even realise you are constipated. Many of us lead such busy lives our bowel habits go largely unnoticed, but you know that you just don't feel 'quite right'.

Understanding Constipation

The frequency of bowel movements varies widely - some people go once or twice a day, others every two days or more - all entirely normal if that's what you're used to. In constipation it's the change in your habits that's important.

Constipation is a change in your bowel habits, where you go to the toilet less often than is usual for you.

You are not alone

The most important thing about constipation is not to worry. Around half of all people have bowel problems at some time in their lives. The digestive system is sensitive to changes in lifestyle, so you should not be surprised when, for whatever reason, things start to move more slowly than usual.