The mouth is the physical door to the body and one of the most prominent reasons for constipation. What goes into the body affects what and how it comes out. Poor dietary choices and a lack of exercise cause constipation. If the diet is faulty, then the bowel movements will suffer. Constipation leaves the feeling that a low amount of stool passes from the body. It also shows itself when there is a strain during bowel activity. Constipation is a symptom that something is wrong in the body. It is not a disease. While many people experience varying frequencies of bowel movements, identifying bowel hindrance is easy. Look for:

• Hard stools that are also dry.
• No bowel movements for days on end.
• Bloated abdomen.
• Cramping in the abdomen with accompanying pain.
• A lack of an appetite.
• Feelings of lethargy.

Causes of Constipation

Constipation is no respecter of persons. Anyone can experience constipation at any time. However, there are some classes of people who are more prone to constipation. The elderly are typically less active, with a slower metabolism and weaker muscles in the digestive tract. All three activities facilitate free bowel movement. Pregnant and nursing women experience changes in their hormones that can result in constipation. 

There are simple lifestyle issues that can cause constipation. When the diet does not contain enough fiber, it results in the food not moving through the digestive system. It is much slower. Some medications result in the hardening of stool. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, iron pills, and seizure medications among others. These daily habits can cause constipation as well: 

• Insufficient water intake.
• Not enough exercise. 
• Consuming too much milk or cheese.
• Holding in a bowel movement.
• Changes in routine. This includes sleeping later, eating later, and even traveling.

Certain medical conditions also cause constipation, such as irritable bowel syndrome. There are many others.

Treating Constipation Naturally

Constipation occurs naturally. There are natural ways to counteract it as well. Before visiting the doctor's office, there are some natural ways to treat low bowel movement levels. 

1. Consume more water. The body absorbs moisture from the stools passing through the digestive system if there is not enough in the body.
2. Exercise frequently. Regularly participating in any kind of movement- minor or significant- can positively affect bowel movement.
3. Massage the abdomen. Lie on the back and press the stomach in a clockwise direction twice per day. This action helps to move stool closer to the rectum.
4. Eat foods rich in fiber. Oatmeal, fruit, beans, vegetables, whole grains, and flaxseed are fiber-rich and help alleviate painful bowel movements.
5. Drink warm water with baking soda. This "magical" household powder is suitable for many things. It mixes with acids in the stomach to encourage a bowel movement in a cup of warm water.

Preventing Constipation

Constipation starts from the mouth. What one consumes can determine free or strained bowel movement. Prevention is always better than treatment, so consider these ideas to see if constipation can’t be stopped at the source.

Alter the diet to be much richer in fiber with lots of vegetables, fruits, beans and bran. In turn, reduce the processed foods and try to stick to natural ones. To go along with this, stay hydrated through the consumption of water and other drinks. 

In addition to diet help, make sure that you are getting enough exercise. Exercise benefits the body in terms of heal th in so many different ways. Particularly it helps move stool through the colon. Also, when your body needs to produce a bowel movement, don’t resist and don’t press to try to make things happen. They will occur naturally and straining can only make constipation worse.