Constipation plagues so many people all over the world. It causes physical uneasiness and mental stress and may be the symptom behind some serious disease. Whatever be the case, we need to understand the causes and symptoms of constipation and try to find good home remedies to get relief from it.
What is Constipation?
We use this term loosely to describe situations like infrequent stools, hard stool which is difficult to pass or incomplete evacuation of bowels. The cause and symptoms of these different types of constipation are different and each requires specific treatment.
If we go by medical terms then constipation is defined as less than three bowel movements per week. If you have less than one bowel movement per week then it is considered severe constipation.
You may not have bowel movement every day. Bowel movement once in two or three days is normal and it does not cause physical discomfort but many people feel mentally distressed. The most common pattern of bowel movement is having it once in a day but less than 50% people experience this.
constipation and remedies
Symptoms of constipation
The common symptoms of constipation are infrequent bowel movement which may be accompanied by a coated tongue, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, foul breath, insomnia and ulcer in the mouth, to mention a few.
It is very crucial to distinguish between acute constipation and chronic constipation. Acute constipation is a case of serious concern as some illness, like tumor of the colon may be the reason behind it. Constipation which is supplemented by symptoms like rectal bleeding, nausea and vomiting needs immediate medical attention.
Causes of constipation
There can be several causes of constipation and identifying the correct one is crucial for treating it.
Constipation can be caused by diet
The most common cause of constipation is diet. A diet which is low in fiber and high in refined food causes constipation. Even having too much of meat and wrong combination of foods can cause constipation.
Low fluid intake can cause constipation
People who drink less water often suffer from constipation. This, if added with high consumption of tea and coffee worsens the problem.
Constipation is directly related to sedentary lifestyle
A lifestyle devoid of any exercise or physical activity often weakens our abdominal muscles which lead to problems in defecation.
Irregular habits can lead to constipation problems
Bowel movements are controlled voluntarily and occasionally we may need to suppress our urges. But frequent practice of this can lead to constipation also.
Medicinal sometimes plays role in constipation
Often people overlook the role that certain medicines play behind constipation. Iron supplements, narcotic pain medicines and antidepressants are known to cause constipation.
Laxatives can also cause constipation
Doctors are think that excess use of stimulant laxatives may damage the nerves and muscles of the colon which lead to constipation. So doctors prescribe stimulant laxative as a last resort to treat constipation.
Constipation may be caused due to hormonal disorders
Hypothyroidism and too much of parathyroid hormone may aggravate constipation. During pregnancy levels of estrogen and progesterone increase in the body which often creates constipation. Even during menstrual periods some women suffer from constipation when male and female hormone levels shoot up. But this is a temporary problem.
Other diseases that can play a role in causing constipation
There are some diseases which induce constipation like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and scleroderma.
Pelvic floor dysfunction
The muscles of the lower pelvis are essential for defecation. Sometimes these muscles do not work properly which is referred to as pelvic floor dysfunction. This leads to constipation.
Constipation relief from home remedies
There are several home remedies which can give relief from constipation. Besides being very effective, they do not have any side effects like medicines or laxatives. But a proper diagnosis is required to pinpoint the cause behind constipation. This helps in suggesting the right treatment.
Let us discuss some home remedies for constipation.
Precautions about diet to prevent constipation
- Increasing dietary fiber is perhaps the best option for treating constipation. Including lots of fruits and vegetables along with whole grain cereals, milk products honey, lentils etc. will ease constipation.
- Refined foods and sugary foods should be avoided.
- Water intake should be increased.
- Fruits like papaya, mango, guava, beal and banana contain roughage which helps in easing constipation.
- Dry fruits especially dates soaked in milk is a good remedy for constipation.
- Keep some water overnight in a copper vessel and have this in empty stomach in the morning. This is an age old home remedy.
Physical activity is needed to avoid constipation
Indulge in physical activities to tone up your body. Going for walks after dinner helps in digesting food which in turn provides relief from constipation.
Healthy life style can help you get rid of constipation
Inculcating some good habits in your lifestyle may prove beneficial for constipation.
- Having water in the morning in empty stomach is known to be very effective for constipation.
- Chew food properly while eating for proper digestion.
- Age old practices like yoga have many positive effects on our body. Practicing certain asanas like bajrasana can benefit people a lot.
- Have meals at regular intervals and avoid erratic lifestyle.
Following these simple suggestions will go a long way in providing relief from constipation and help you to lead a stress free life.
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