A moving experience: Why you shouldn’t ignore the urge

MANILA, Philippines - Do you drink at least eight glasses of water daily? Do you spend at least five minutes daily doing exercise? Do you move (your bowels) more than three times in a week? If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, congratulations! There is low likelihood that you might be suffering from chronic constipation. While it may not be one of the most pleasant of topics, still it needs to be given due attention since it involves one of your body’s most important functions — your digestion.

Dr. Jaime G. Ignacio, a practicing gastroenterologist-internist and currently the section chief of gastroenterology at the Veterans Hospital, says there are two types of constipation — acute and chronic. If you move less than three times a week, you are constipated. On the other hand, it is normal to move three times within the same day. Four times or more, however, is a clue to an abnormality.

Changes in lifestyle can cause constipation. Other causes include advanced age, pregnancy, change in diet, reduced fiber and water intake, prolonged bed rest, lack of exercise, even travel and change of time zone, as well as medications such as antacids and anti-depressants.

Stress and poor diet can lead to constipation. Dr. Ignacio quoted some statistics: Two of five adult Filipinos are stressed; 56 percent report eating poorly, skipping meals, eating the wrong kind of foods, or overeating; 34 percent report having stomach or GI tract issues like cramps and constipation.

Contrary to popular belief, “stress does not cause ulcers, only abdominal pain. Stress causes problems of digestive functions such as constipation,” Dr. Ignacio notes. Constipation, a gastrointestinal abnormality, is commonly experienced by people who are stressed or who don’t eat right.

Constipation is not a disease but a symptom. Constipation does NOT cause cancer. However, it can be a symptom of colon cancer, the incidence of which is on the rise, as well as non-cancerous intestinal obstruction, diabetes, hypothyroidism, among others.

If left untreated, constipation can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, low back pains, headache, and irritability, or even heart attacks. Watch out for danger signs such as blood in stools as well as significant weight loss.

A proven safe and effective treatment is (Bisacodyl) Dulcolax, the world’s number one laxative. “It is the most prescribed laxative brand,” says Maureen “Moe” Javier, group brand manager for consumer health care of Boehringer Ingelheim. “It is number one not only in the Philippines but also globally.”

Dulcolax has a dual digest flow system that supports the body’s natural process of elimination, says Dr. Editha I. Arceo-Dalisay, noted endocrinologist and Boehringer Ingelheim medical director. “It stimulates intestinal muscle movement and increases water accumulation in the digestive system, resulting in predictable relief in just six to 12 hours. The tablet has a protective comfort coating, making it possible to reach the colon where it is released at the desired site, making it safe even for breastfeeding moms. It also comes in syrup form for children. As a suppository, it takes effect in just 10 to 30 minutes.”

If you often have stomach pains or spasms; feel heavy, gassy, and bloated regularly, most likely you are suffering from constipation. This can lead to irritability, headaches, or even skin problems.

Constipation is part of modern living, and yet there is low awareness, at only 30 percent, says Jo-ann “Stefanie” R. Ramos, Dulcolax brand manager. “Of those who are aware, only 33 percent would admit that they are constipated. Eighty percent of those who admit they are constipated take Dulocolax.”

Treat constipation early, but if it persists, see a doctor. Prevention is key. This is Dr. Ignacio’s simple advice: Include fiber in your diet; increase fluid intake; exercise. Most importantly, “don’t ignore the urge.” If you feel you must go, go.