Constipation in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is constipation?
Constipation is a commonly-experienced phenomenon amongst mostly adult patients. It is generally characterized by experiencing fewer than three bowel movements in one week. This issue happens when the stool in the GI tract becomes too dry and hard. This waste may become dry if it moves too slowly through the gastrointestinal system or stays in the colon for too long. If you have fewer than three bowel movements throughout the course of a week, we recommend consulting one of our GI physicians at Colorado Gastroenterology. Call our gastroenterology practice in Denver, CO today to schedule a visit.
What are the causes of constipation?
There are various reasons why your stool may move slower than usual through your GI tract. Some reasons for constipation are:
- Nerve damage around the rectum or colon
- Rectum bulge through the back wall of the vagina
- Cancer of the rectum
- Narrowing of the colon
- A bowel obstruction
- Anal fissure
- Colorectal cancer
Are there ways to relieve constipation?
Adding healthy habits to your lifestyle can help alleviate problems with constipation. Several healthy habits to incorporate to help you minimize the chance of constipation are:
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding dairy
- Eating more dietary fiber
- Taking probiotics and prebiotics
- Consuming more water
Select over-the-counter medications are a good solution to constipation, but we advise speaking with one of our Denver, CO gastrointestinal physicians first since constipation can, at times, point to a more serious condition.
What foods have high amounts of fiber?
When you are seeking to incorporate fiber-rich foods your diet, the foods listed below could be of some benefit:
- Tangerines, apples, raspberries, peaches
- Kidney beans, lima beans
- Cooked black-eyed peas, cooked zucchini
- Whole-grain cereal, Total® Bran Flakes, cold All-Bran®, hot oatmeal
- Acorn squash, raw cauliflower, raw carrots, raw spinach, raw Brussels sprouts, raw broccoli, raw cabbage
- Wheatena®, seven-grain bread, whole-wheat bread
For more information about how to alter your nutritional habits to solve constipation issues, please reach out to Colorado Gastroenterology to partner with our licensed dietitians.
When should I see a GI specialist about constipation?
Most individuals have constipation at some point throughout their lives. However, chronic constipation may be a sign of something far more serious. If you have been experiencing constipation on a more frequent basis, we encourage you to consult a gastrointestinal physician as soon as you can. In addition to identifying, treating, and helping to manage digestive conditions, our gastroenterology team at Colorado Gastroenterology can screen and test for any, more serious illnesses. To get the help you need for constipation in Denver, CO, please contact our office today.
Reviews
He is so knowledgable and likes to talk over all your options not just take this and call me in a few days
Dr. Brenner was professional and kind. She took plenty of time to talk through my symptoms and took the situation very seriously. I really appreciate her ability to think beyond just GI possibilities, and her commitment to figuring out what's wrong with me. I am so appreciative!
Very thorough and informative. Helps me understand and teaches me why something is happening in my body.
My son is a new patient of Dr. Rufner. Thus far I can say he’s pretty awesome. He created a plan for my son, and is honest and gentle.
EVERYTHING WAS GREAT!
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