The Essential Guide

Constipation: Nearly Everyone Has It at Some Point, Why and How to Relieve It

Constipation: Nearly Everyone Has It at Some Point, Why and How to Relieve It
Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock
Updated:
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Medically reviewed by
Jimmy Almond, M.D.

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints, affecting nearly everyone at some point in their lives. In North America, an estimated 12 percent to 19 percent of people experience chronic constipation.

At its core, constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, straining during bathroom visits, or feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels.

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