Constipation is something that everyone has once in a while. Medications, bowel habits, foods you eat, and laxatives all can cause occasional constipation. Home remedies and over-the-counter products generally treat occasional constipation. If you have constipation on a frequent basis contact your doctor
2. Introduction
Constipation is one common complaint in any population. Recently conducted
nationwide gut health survey revealed, 22% of the adult Indian population is suffering
from the condition, with 13% complaining of severe constipation. 6% of the Indian
population suffers from constipation associated with certain ailments.
The term constipation is basically a patient’s understanding varying from describing
the subjective feeling of inability to expel the feces smoothly or regularly, hard stool
or any obstruction to its passage, unproductive urges or feeling of incomplete
evacuation.
Constipation is a condition of the digestive system where an individual finds difficulty
to expel the stools due to its hard nature. In most cases, this occurs due to the major
absorption of water in the colon from the food. The slower the food moves through
the digestive tract; the colon absorbs more water. As a result of this, the feces become
dry and hard. When this occurs, emptying the bowels become very miserable.
3. What are the Causes of Constipation
Due to excess absorption of water in the colon; the muscles in the
colon contracts slowly and poorly causing the stool to move too slowly
and lose more water.
Common causes of constipation include
4. Lack of fiber Rich Diet
People who include a good quantity of fiber in the diet comparatively
suffer less from constipation. Fiber should be an inevitable part of the
diet which can be taken in the form of fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains. It enhances bowel motility and prevents constipation. High-fat
foods such as cheese, meats, eggs, etc. contain very less amount of
fiber.
5. Physical Inactivity
Constipation is more often predominant in physically inactive
individuals. The higher age group people are often the victims for this
since they tend to have a more sedentary lifestyle. The risk factor
remains high for individuals who have been bedridden for a long time,
perhaps for several days or weeks.
6. Long term Usage of Medications
Due to the continuous usage of certain medicines, people tend to
suffer from constipation. Eg: Opioid derivatives, Anti-depressants,
Anticonvulsants, Diuretics, etc.
7. Irritable bowel syndrome
People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) get constipation much more
often, compared with the rest of the population.
8. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a lot of hormonal changes happen in a woman’s body due to which
constipation can occur. Also, the enlarged uterus may compress the intestine, slowing
down the passage of food.
9. Aging
As a person gets older, the metabolism slows down, which results in less intestinal
activity. The intestinal muscles slow down their work and result in constipation.
10. Less consumption of water
Regular intake of plenty of water reduces the chances of constipation. Carbonated
drinks, Alcohol and caffeine products cause dehydration and worsen constipation.
11. Overuse of laxatives
The intake of laxatives helps in increased bowel movements. However,
continuous usage allows the body to get used to their actions and
forces to increase the dose to get the desired effect. They can be
habit-forming. Once the consumption is stopped, there is a significant
risk of constipation.
12. Ignoring the Natural Urge
If the urge for bowel movements is ignored, they can gradually lead to
constipation. The longer it is delayed, the consistency of the stool becomes
dry and hard.
13. Changes from the normal routine
When a person travels, there may be certain variations that occur to the
body. Changes in the food pattern and timings also contribute to the
same. This affects the digestive system, which sometimes results in
constipation.
14. An anomaly to the colon or rectum
Any obstruction or tumors can compress or restrict the bowel movement
and cause constipation. Also, scar tissue, diverticulosis, and abnormal
narrowing of the colon or rectum, known as a colorectal stricture.
15. Diseases related
Commonly some diseases tend to slow down the bowel movements which
leads to constipation. These include the following:
Neurological disorders: In conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's
disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and chronic idiopathic intestinal
pseudo-obstruction constipation can be an associated symptom.
Endocrine and metabolic conditions: Uremia, diabetes, hypercalcemia,
poor glycemic control, and hypothyroidism.
Systemic diseases: Many tissues and organs are affected as a whole they
include lupus, scleroderma, amyloidosis.
Cancer: Constipation occurs in people with cancer, mostly due to
medications and chemotherapy.
16. What are the Symptoms of Constipation
Stomach ache
Stomach cramps
Feeling bloated and nauseous
Loss of appetite
18. 1. Triphala
One of the best ayurvedic remedies for constipation is Triphala which
is both a tonic and a laxative. Triphala is a magic combination of 3
drugs namely – Amalaki (Amla), Bibhitaki (Bhahed) and Haritaki
(Harad). Traditionally, triphala is taken after rising and just before
bed. Soak ½ to 1 teaspoon in some heated water 5 to 10 minutes. In
the event that you can't stand the taste, take 2 cases with warm
water.
19. 2. Flaxseeds
Take 1 tablespoon of this "laxative without side effects" a few times each day, trailed
by some water.
20. 3. Banana
Bananas are of extraordinary esteem both in obstruction and runs as they
standardize colonic capacities in the digestive organ to retain a lot of water for
legitimate gut movements.
21. 4. Beetroot
The juice should be taken once daily. The cellulose content of the beet acts as a bulk
residue and increases peristalsis. Its regular use thus prevents habitual constipation.
22. 5. Brown Rice
As a part of the eating regimen, incorporate brown rice. The fiber present in brown
rice also helps to normalize the bowel function and thus, reduces constipation.
23. 6. Bran
Bran is an effective bulk-forming agent that is generally safe to get rid of constipation
fast. Essentially blend 4-5 tablespoons of bran to a glass of water and drink 20
minutes before meals.
24. 7. Warm Milk
Warm milk is an excellent remedy for constipation. This can be consumed at
bedtime, which will promote easy evacuation of the bowels.
25. 8. Ghee
Regular intake of the ghee with food helps in softening the stomach and
thereby helping to initiate easy expulsion of stools.
26. 9. Almond
The use of almonds has proved highly beneficial for the treatment of chronic
constipation. It is an incredible laxative. 11 to 15 kernels taken at bed time will
facilitate a clear motion the next morning. Those who suffer from a weak stomach
can take seven grams of almond oil with hot milk.
