Chronic constipation is an affliction that is believed to affect around 20% of the total population here in the U.S. Most of the sufferers experience a particular form known as idiopathic constipation. The fancy term means nothing other than “that without known cause”. Our lack of knowledge is not coincidental, for we understand little about the biological, hereditary and diet-related causes of constipation.

Such lack of understanding has lead to a profusion of treatments, many of which are reputable (for example bulk and osmotic laxatives) but also many of which have no basis in fact. In addition to these nontrustworthy therapies there are also a number of myths with respect to the causes of constipation. These myths connect mundane, daily activities to subsequent constipation.

One myth is that walking, running along with general movement exercises helps massage the muscles of the intestinal lining. The massaging movement is supposed to push food matter along, relieving constipation. The sad fact is that a careful study by scientists at a University of California campus showed that when compared to a group that did not exercise, there was no difference in relief of constipation for sufferers. Of course, these results are not definitive because the study only looked at the effect of one hour of exercise, but most people do not exercise more than that in any case.

A second myth is that adding more fiber to the diet can cure constipation. The myth sounds quite reasonable as fiber is one of the major nutrients promoted by the FDA. Unfortunately, a review by researchers Fox-Orenstein and co-workers demonstrated that fiber therapy worked in about a third of all people. While normal amounts of fiber are necessary, for the large part constipation sufferers already get that amount and have constipation for other reasons.

Some people claim that drinking more water can help relieve constipation. However, a review by German physicians Muller-Lissner et al cited several studies that showed even drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day seemed to have no effect on constipation in a group of people compared against those who did not drink water. The physicians go on to note that only for people who are severely dehydrated that water may play a role, but for most people lack of water is not the causative factor.

Lastly, the reader may recall that there are many advertisements these days touting colonic cleansers as the cure-all for constipation. Colonic cleansers are claimed to be remedies for toxin build-up, and general poor health. But almost every physician will tell their patients to take these claims with a grain of salt. Even the American Cancer Society has put out information warning people not to try these products.

For the most part the myths are not harmful (except for the last). The activities of exercising, eating more fiber and drinking water in moderation have benign or better effects on health.

You can find more information on thinking about constipation relief. Readers wishing to understand more can browse over to learn about bulk and osmotic laxatives.

Tags: conditions, constipation, diet, diseases, fiber, health, home remedies, laxatives, medication, Medicine, natural remedies, physiology, treatments