What you should know about constipation: Constipation occurs due to less frequent movement of stool and it becomes difficult to pass stool. It occurs due to a change in diet or routine or due to less intake of fiber. It might be due to irritation in the bowel system.
What is constipation?
Bowel movement habit differs from person to person. How frequently you go varies widely. Some people have bowel movements many times a day while others have bowel movements one or two times daily. On the other hand, some people have bowel movements thrice or four times a week.
It is worthwhile to mention here that the longer you go, you may feel more difficult to pass stool or poop to pass. Other features of constipation are
- The stool is dry and hard.
- The bowel movement is painful and stools are difficult to pass.
- After passing the stool, you feel that your bowel is not completely emptied.
Whether constipation is common?
Yes, constipation is common. It is the most common complaint in the world. People of all ages group have to face bouts of constipation. It may be due to any reason. These include
1.Older age
In old age, people become less active, resulting in a slower metabolism and less muscle contraction strength along their alimentary tract.
2.Constipation in women
Constipation occurs in women mostly during the pregnancy period or posts pregnancy due to changes in hormones. The baby inside the womb squishes the intestines and slows down the passage of stool.
3.Intake fewer fiber foods
Green and leafy vegetables and fruits are rich in fiber. We must eat fiber-rich food in our diet that makes the movement of the bowel regular and easy.
4.Intake of medicine
Some medicines cause constipation. We must see their leaflet and use it accordingly.
5.Due to neurological and digestive disorders
Neurological and digestive disorders also caused constipation. We can take laxatives as per the advice of the physician.
What is the reason for constipation?
The basic reason for constipation is that our colon absorbs too much water from waste (stool/poop)., which dries out the same and forms stool, making it hard inconsistency, which makes it difficult to push out of the body.
The food we eat normally moves through the digestive tract system, where all the nutrients are absorbed. The partially digested food i.e. waste remains to move from the small intestine to the colon. The colon absorbs water from the waste, which creates a solid matter called stool. In case due to slow movement, the colon absorbs more water, stool may become hard, dry, and difficult to push out.
Whether constipation caused other health problems?
Yes, it caused many other health problems/ complications that could happen in the absence of a soft, regular, bowel movement. some complications include
- Swollen, inflamed veins in our rectum.
- Hard, dry stool tears in the lining of your anus.
- An infection in pouches that sometimes form off the colon wall from stool that has become trapped and infected.
- Pile up of too much stool in the rectum and anus.
- Do not have a regular bowel movement, can it cause toxins, remain in our body, and cause sickness?
In the case our colon holds stool longer, we may feel uncomfortable, and also there may be a slight risk of bacterial infection occurring due to waste getting into existing wounds in the colon or rectum.
What causes constipation?
There are many causes that induce constipation such as, medication, change in lifestyle, pregnancy, etc.
Common lifestyle causes are
- Eating such foods which are low in fiber.
- Not drinking enough water.
- Not doing regular exercise.
- Going to bed at a different time.
- Feeling stress.
- Resist the urge of bowel movement.
Medicines responsible for constipation
- Pain killer.
- Intake of NSAIDs.
- Intake of antidepressant medicines.
- Intake of antacids containing calcium or aluminum.
- Iron pills.
- Intake of anti-allergic medicines. And certain other medicines are responsible for constipation.
Medical and health conditions are responsible for constipation
- Endocrine problems, such as thyroid problems, etc.
- Colorectal cancer caused constipation.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Diverticular disease etc and so many other medical conditions are responsible for constipation.
What are the symptoms of constipation?
Symptoms of constipation include
- Hard, dry, and lumpy stool.
- It becomes difficult and painful to pass.
- Feels stomach cramp.
- Feeling cramps and bloating in the abdomen.
- After passing the stool, you feel that your bowel is not completely emptied.
Medication and other factors
In the case of chronic constipation, it is suggested to seek the advice of a medical professional specializing in the respective field. The doctor after doing a physical examination and other laboratory tests manage constipation.
Morning walk and regular exercise
- Regular morning walk and exercise plays an important role in the management of constipation. We must walk 10000 steps daily and do yoga and exercise for approximately ½ hour daily.
- Intake whole grain atta which is full of fiber.
- Drink 10 glasses of water daily.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, bakery items, and items made from maida.