Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or hard to pass bowel movements. It is a digestive system condition in which an individual has hard stool that is difficult to discharge. In medical terms constipation refers to less than three stools per week. Constipation has become common due to unhealthy diet and improper lifestyle. Though it is not serious condition but causes discomfort, bloating, abdominal pain and feeling of incomplete evacuation. Conceived ladies often face constipation problems. Constipation arises due to factors like low fibre food, stress, lack of physical exercises, excess consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Constipation in long run can also lead to piles.
There are three different types of constipation namely :
Atonic constipation– it is caused due to poor health habits and lack of intestinal muscle tone.
Obstructive constipation –it is caused due to physical obstruction like cystic fibrosis, tumors, adhesions and many more. This type of constipation needs treatment.
Spastic constipation– it is caused due to irritation of bowel or intestine like stress, certain foods and treatments. It is also caused by certain neurological disorders.
Causes of Constipation :
Common causes of constipation include
- Unhealthy diet
- Eating more dairy products
- Stress
- Lack of exercise
- Lack of fluids
- Hormonal imbalance
- Imbalance in intestinal flora
- Certain treatments
- Age
- Sleeplessness
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Delaying or avoiding toilets when needed
- Dehydration
- Lifestyle changes
Symptoms of Constipation :
Some signs and symptoms of constipation include
- Straining to pass stool
- Few bowel movements
- Heavy, hard or small stool
- Abdomen pain
- Feeling of fullness
- Bloating
- Back pain
- Distension
- Fissures
- Rectal pain
Tips to get rid of Constipation :
An individual can get rid of constipation by following few tips and with changes in diet. Few tips or remedies for constipation include
- Eat high fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts.
- Drinking plenty of fluids like juices and warm liquids
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
- Regular physical exercise
- Get relief from stress
- Eat sesame seeds as they moisturize intestines
- Taking one table spoon of molasses before going to bed treats constipation
- Mint and ginger tea heals digestive problems and relieves from constipation
- Include olive oil, nuts, raisins, avocados and prunes in diet to avoid constipation
- Drink lemon juice as it stimulate digestive system and is a natural remedy for constipation
- Guavas and oranges are very good for constipation
- Include fresh green leafy vegetables in diet to get relief from constipation
- Figs and prunes are very high in fibre and act as natural laxative
- Honey is a natural remedy for constipation and act as laxative
Stool softeners plays an important role in treating constipation, they moisten stool and helps to get relief from strain of bowel movements. Here are foods we should avoid to get rid of constipation and digestive problems
- Avoid junk food
- Avoid processed foods like chips, ice creams and cheese.
- Avoid dairy products when you are feeling like constipated
- Avoid alcohol intake
- Avoid caffeine
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