Constipation is one of the major problems of the current era. With 75% of the population following a sedentary lifestyle, gut issues have become a widespread problem. Almost 2.5 million people from the United States currently face this issue. If we consider the global perspective, the number increases by a notch.
]So, What is Constipation ?? Constipation is an irregularity in bowel movement, generally known as difficulty in passing stool, and less frequency of stool ( generally less than 2-3 times in a week ). It is generally caused due to low intake of fluids and dietary fibre. There are other reasons for constipation also but this is one of the most common reasons.
Constipation could easily be avoided or treated if it is caused by your lifestyle, if you improve your food habits. But in some cases, it becomes chronic constipation, and you must consult a doctor to treat it properly
What Are The Symptoms Of Constipation ??
Constipation has the following symptoms that an individual should always be aware of :
- Fewer than three stools in a week
- Your stools are very hard and dry
- It’s very painful to pass stool
- There is always an urge to pass the stool
What is Constipation Anatomically?? What are the causes?
Anatomically speaking, when stool passes through the large intestine, it absorbs too much water from the stool, which makes the bowel movement very difficult and increases the time it takes to get out of the body, which leads to further absorption of water from the stool, and it becomes even more constipated.
Common Causes Of Constipation
There can be many factors responsible for causing constipation here the main three reasons
- Lifestyle Problems
- Side Effects of Medicines
- Medical Issues
Lifestyle Problems
- Sedentary Lifestyle: This is one of the biggest problems of the current era. As most people nowadays work a 9-to-6 job, and most of their work includes sitting in a place. Having less physical activity leads to difficult and longer digestion, which in the end would lead to constipation
- Fast Foods: Most of the fast food includes glutenous bread with very low fibre count, which leads to difficulty in bowel movement
- Having very little fluid: An individual should have at least 2-3 litres of water a day. Having enough water will lead to easier bowel movements.
- Taking too much stress
- Sudden changes like travel, a change in sleep timing or drastic dietary changes
- Eating lots of Cheese and milk products
Side Effects Of Medicines
Some medicines can make you constipated.
This means they can make it harder for you to have a bowel movement or make your stools harder and drier. Common examples include:
- Strong pain medicines (opioids): like codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin®), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid®).
- Pain and swelling medicines (NSAIDs): like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®).
- Depression medicines: such as fluoxetine (Prozac®) and amitriptyline (Elavil®).
- Heartburn or stomach medicines with calcium or aluminum, like Tums®.
- Iron pills (often used for anemia).
- Allergy medicines: like diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).
- Some blood pressure medicines: such as verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, and atenolol.
- Certain mental health medicines, like clozapine (Clozaril®) and olanzapine (Zyprexa®).
- Seizure medicines: like phenytoin and gabapentin.
- Nausea medicines: such as ondansetron (Zofran®).
If you start having constipation after taking any medicine, don’t stop it on your own—talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest safer alternatives or ways to prevent constipation while still getting the treatment you need.
Medical Conditions
Some Medical Conditions that may cause constipation are
- Colon Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Lazy Bowel Syndrome
- Obstructed Defecation Syndrome
- Intestinal Obstructions
Other Health Problems From Constipation
If constipation becomes chronic, it may lead to many medical conditions such as
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal Fissure
- Fistula
- Fecal Impaction
- Due to prolonged constipation, an infection in the large intestine could also develop
Prevention and Cure Of Constipation
Although if you are suffering from constipation because of any medical condition, the best thing you should do is consult your doctor. They will suggest the next steps, but if you are having constipation because of your lifestyle, you can easily manage constipation by following a balanced diet
Here are some suggestions you could follow to have some relief from constipation
- Drink a lot of fluids – Have at least 3 liters of water throughout the day.
- Make a habit of eating salad before your meal. Include cabbage, boiled corns, broccoli, etc, in your salad. These veggies are rich in fibre and will definitely help you keep moving things
- If constipation is severe, you could try having ragi roti in your meal – Ragi has high fibre content
- Try to replace wheat flour with multigrain or millet flour at least twice a week.
- Have at least one apple a day. Apple is very good for your stomach.
- Include Fruits in your diet.
- Eat papaya ( raw ) before sleeping
- Avoid Fried and Fast food, and if you really want to have take a bowl of salad before eating the fast food
- Avoid Caffeinated drinks. Especially energy drinks
Even after pursuing the home remedies, if constipation persists, do not wait; go and see your doctor. In some cases, people try over-the-counter drugs. Don’t do that. See a gastroenterologist and follow the instructions.
