In today’s modern, fast-paced society, the demands of everyday living is putting everyone’s health at risk. Fatigue and stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activities are some of the negative implications of a hectic, workaholic lifestyle.

 
In a recent study , 2 out of 5 adult Filipinos suffer from stress. Stress causes changes in bodily functions including the digestive system. Constipation, a gastrointestinal abnormality is among the top 5 ailments people experience when they’re stressed or when they don’t eat right.

Constipation is medically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. This happens when peristalsis or the involuntary muscle movement in the colon fails to work properly and there is not enough water in the colon. Thus, making bowel movements occur less often than usual and the stool becomes hard and dry making it painful or difficult to pass. Constipation, according to studies, can affect one’s disposition and work performance. People are more likely to be irritable and emotionally unstable at work when they are unable to move their bowels .

According to Dr. Jaime Ignacio, section chief of Gastroenterology at the Veterans Hospital and the Head of the Digestive Malignancy Council of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, “what may seem like an ordinary experience, can actually lead to more complications such as headaches, lower back pain, skin problems, fecal impactions and hemorrhoids. Constipation may also be a symptom of more serious diseases like colon cancer, diabetes or scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder that involves changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles and internal organs.

While there is no way to totally prevent constipation, there are preventive steps such as proper diet and fluid intake, exercise and acting on the urge of moving help to regulate bowel movement.

If none of these preventive measures work, Boehringer Ingelheim is recommending (Bisacodyl) Dulcolax.

“Our modern, busy lifestyles make us all highly susceptible to different ailments, particularly to constipation. I am proud to say that (Bisacodyl) Dulcolax continues it strong legacy of providing solutions to making people feel light and relieved each morning so that they can live right throughout the day,” says Jo-ann Ramos, brand manager of (Bisacodyl) Dulcolax.