Constipation is not just a blockage of the excreting system but a normal life. In order to find relief from the pain and ensure healthy digestion, it is important to know about what causes it and how it manifests, so here is a comprehensive guide to know all about your digestive health
Symptoms of Chronic Constipation:
- Infrequent Bowel Movements: Having fewer than three bowel movements per week.
- Difficulty Passing Stools: Straining during bowel movements and passing hard or lumpy stools.
- Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation: Feeling as though you haven't completely emptied your bowels after a movement.
- Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort: Experiencing bloating, gas, and discomfort in the abdomen.
- Prolonged Effort: Spending an extended amount of time trying to have a bowel movement.
- Rectal Blockage: Feeling like there is a blockage in the rectum preventing bowel movements.
- Needing Manual Assistance: Sometimes needing to press on your abdomen or use your fingers to remove stool from your rectum.
Causes of Chronic Constipation:
- Dietary Factors: A diet low in fiber and inadequate fluid intake can lead to constipation.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise can slow down digestion and lead to constipation.
- Medications: Certain medications like pain relievers (especially opioids), antidepressants, and iron supplements can cause constipation.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and neurological disorders can contribute to chronic constipation.
- Changes in Routine: Travel, changes in diet, or routine alterations can affect bowel habits.
- Ignoring the Urge to Go: Habitually ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement can lead to constipation over time.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can affect bowel regularity.
Treatments for Chronic Constipation:
- Increase Fiber Intake: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into your diet.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help soften stools.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to stimulate bowel movements.
- Establish a Routine: Try to go to the bathroom at the same time each day, especially after meals.
- Ayurvedic Therapies: Using natural methods like herbal preparations to stimulate gut lining