Facing Chronic Constipation? Don’t Avoid It.
Constipation is a sate when your faeces harden and you face difficulty in its excretion. People usually feel shy and don’t accept that they are facing the problem of constipation. Such topics are rarely shared or spoken in public. This leads to lack of awareness about its symptoms and cure.
Though constipation is not a major disease, it may lead to some major kidney and intestinal diseases. Approx 42 million Americans are facing this digestive problem. Constipation is clinically defined as having hard, dry or less than 3 bowel expulsions in a week. If this problem is faced for a month or two, the constipation is said to be chronic.
Causes Of Constipation
When food is present in the large intestine (colon), it absorbs the water molecules present in it before egesting. Simultaneously it secrets mucus to moist the passage of faeces and muscles contraction pushes it outward. If this doesn’t happen, the person is said to be suffering from constipation.
Some of the causes of constipation are:
- If faeces remain in colon for longer time, all the moisture present in it gets absorbed, eventually making it dry and hard
- In case of malfunctioning of large intestine
- Blockage of colon or rectum due to anal fissure, colon cancer or rectal cancer
- Spinal injury or any kind of stroke in nerves around colon
- Inability or weakening of pelvic muscles
- Any kind of change in hormonal condition, such as diabetes, pregnancy or thyroid disorder
Symptoms Of Constipation
- Passing less than three faeces in a week
- Not feeling completely empty, even after excretion
- Straining while excreting
- Sensation of rectum blockage
- Hard and lumpy stool
- Bloating near rectum muscles
Treatment Of Constipation
The easiest and simplest way to cure constipation is by changing the food habits. By including some eatables and excluding the others, you can get rid of constipation.
Here are few Measures to help you do that:
Increase The Intake Of Soluble Fibers
Fibers are of two types, soluble and insoluble fibres. Soluble fibres are those that dissolve in liquid and are found in nuts, oats and in fruits, whereas insoluble fibres are found in skin and seeds of fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fibres are not easily digestible; hence it can worsen constipation. So, taking soluble fibre is quite beneficial and even safe.
Drink More Liquid
Water keeps you hydrated and even helps in softening of faeces. In some cases, carbonated water, that is the soda water has also been beneficial in treating constipation. About 7-8 glasses of water per day keep the body hydrated. Doctors suggest intake of fluid especially water for treatment as well as prevention of constipation.
Use Probiotic Food Or Supplements
People suffer from constipation even due to lack of some useful bacteria. These bacteria produce lactic acid and fatty acid which improves stomach problems. Probiotic food or their supplements helps in generation of such bacteria in the body thus leading to treatment of chronic constipation. Some of the probiotic foods are yoghurt, kimichi and other doctors recommended supplements can be taken for better results.
Low FODMAP Diet
FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharide and polyol in simple words, FODMAP is the short chain of carbohydrates found in some fruits and veggies. They are not easily digestible in the small intestine and ferment when they reach the bowel causing IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and chronic constipation.
Meditation And Exercise
The digestive system is badly affected by stress. So researchers have led to the conclusion that meditation and regular physical exercises are beneficial for an IBS patient and cure constipation. Exercises such as cycling, swimming, walking and even stomach massage is beneficial
*Constipation though common is a very irritable disease. If not treated on time may lead to other problems in the body. You must unavoidably discuss it with your doctor to discover its real cause in your body. Whether acute or chronic, constipation can be treated. But in case of some serious reason, it needs immediate and proper treatment.
Reference Links
Comments