Today's busy lifestyle often brings about constipation, even though there are healthy food options available. Many people suffers every now and again from small episodes of constipation. Alas, fecal impaction can easily and quickly result from a common bout of temporary constipation.

To counteract intestinal impaction and constipation, first take a look at your eating habits. Many healthy food options are now available and more people are eating healthy, however constipation could be a result of how you eat. Proper chewing allows enzymes to break down nutrients in the foods you eat and begins digestion. Thus, eating slowly and taking time to chew is important.

Choosing what you eat is important. If you've noticed you're experiencing an increase in constipation, you may be eating a diet too high in fat or sugar. You may want to increase your fiber intake by using a supplement or adding more vegetables to each meal.

Hydrating yourself is a necessary component of being digestively healthy. Don't count on soda and coffee for hydration, as they often dehydrate. Digestion should give your body nutrients and eliminate waste. However, if you add fiber to your diet to help with constipation, it's vital you also add water to your diet.

For those who eat by the book, vitamins may be the reason for constipation. Vitamins, even when used properly, can cause constipation. Iron supplements are among the most notorious.

Some choose to undergo a colon cleanse to stop constipation. However, it's not something to undergo without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor may rather you try to drink a glass of prune juice after every meal, instead of opting for a traditional colon cleanse.

If a child shows signs of constipation, parents should take action. Fecal impaction should be avoided at all costs! Parents should take note of when constipation first began and consider if there were any changes to the child's diet that may have caused the change in bowels.

If no changes have occurred parents should take the child to their pediatrician for medical examination. Swallowing small objects is not uncommon in small children and can often be the reason for constipation. Obstruction of the intestinal tract by a swallowed object can be life threatening. Because simple x-rays will show any obstructions, it's worth the expense to have one done.