Everything that we put into our mouth goes into our stomach where it is digested and the nutrients absorbed with the remaining particles traveling down through a zigzag passage way known as our intestines. As these pass through the intestines, more nutrients and water are being absorbed by the body. After the long arduous journey, the food residue will eventually end up in the colon. If an individual fails to move his bowel the food residue will eventually build up and harden that will surely lead to constipation.

Constipation is the opposite of diarrhea. Unlike diarrhea where you have to go to the comfort room every now and then, in constipation there is less bowel movement or no movement at all. It is hard to tell when someone is having constipation as different people have different schedules for moving their bowel.

Some may move it once or twice a week while others move it everyday. To make it easier, here are some constipation clues: first, you pass out hard and stone-like stools, second, you strain more than usual whenever you move your bowel and third, you still feel like you haven't moved your bowel completely. Constipation is a condition that is natural but preventable and here are some ways which can help you move your bowel easily.

1. Water. Drink lots of water. It has been said that as food travels down the digestive tract the body absorbs its water content so by drinking more water you will keep it from getting all dried up. Other than that, water also keeps your skin moisturized.

2. Fiber. There are a lot of foods available in the markets that are high in fiber. Fiber acts like a broom that sweeps your colon. Eating fiber rich foods will help you move your bowel easier because these don't contain enough calories to stay longer inside the colon. Hence, the colon will move it and push it away. Whenever you are having your meal do not forget to include a fiber rich food. Examples of fiber rich foods are whole grain cereals, fruits and vegetables. Eat more of this type of food and you will notice how easier it is to move your bowel.

3. Movement. Whenever you get the chance to move then move. Walking around the house or taking the stairs instead of the elevator will surely help you when it comes to your bowel movement. Remember that your internal organs are part of your body so when you keep on lying down and doing nothing, the same thing happens to your other systems. In the case of your digestive system, when it barely moves, food gets stuck which will eventually get hard making it difficult to pass out.

4. Do not hold back. Whenever you feel the urge to move your bowel then do so. Holding back is really not a good idea because by keeping the stool inside, you are subjecting it to more water absorption resulting to a more formed and hard stool.

Save yourself the agony of having to stay inside the comfort room longer. By having a high fiber diet and regular exercise, you can kiss constipation goodbye.