How to Relieve Constipation: Constipation, which happens to everyone often. Most people think that constipation occurs due to the stomach not being clean. But it is not so, there are many other reasons behind this. So let us know what is constipation and how to cure it.
Constipation is not just a problem of not clearing the stomach. This is an alarm from our digestive system that something is going wrong in the body. Many times this problem occurs due to drinking less water, lack of fiber or sitting for a long time. Sometimes this problem also occurs due to the effect of some disease or medicine. In most cases, constipation can be avoided by eating right and having a good lifestyle.
What is constipation?
Every person’s bowel movement habit is different. Some go to the toilet once a day, some go every other day. Therefore, not going to the toilet every day is often not called constipation. According to doctors, if there are bowel movements less than 3 times a week, or one has to exert a lot of force while defecating, the stool is very hard or the stomach is not completely cleaned, then it is a sign of constipation.
Why does constipation occur?
1. Lack of fiber
Fiber makes the stool soft and heavy, making it easier to pass. If the diet contains less fruits, vegetables, whole grains and pulses, the risk of constipation increases.
2. Drink less water
Due to lack of water, the body also extracts water from the stool. Due to this, the stool becomes dry and hard and it is difficult to throw it out.
3. Sitting for long periods of time
In people who work sitting in the office all day or do very little physical activity, bowel movement becomes slow.
4. Resisting the urge to toilet
If the urge to go to the toilet again and again is ignored, then gradually the natural reflex of the body becomes weak and the problem of constipation increases.
5. Some medicines and diseases
Conditions such as iron supplements, certain painkillers, antidepressants, thyroid disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also cause constipation.
Common symptoms of constipation
– Going to the toilet less than 3 times a week – Very hard or dry stools – Straining while going to the toilet – Bloating or heaviness in the stomach – Feeling of not emptying the stomach completely – Gas and abdominal discomfort
Easy ways to avoid constipation
– Increase fiber. Eat seasonal fruits, green vegetables, salads, pulses, oats and whole grains daily. – Drink as much water as possible throughout the day. The need for water increases in hot weather or excessive sweating. – Walk a little every day. Walking or doing light exercise for at least 30 minutes every day helps in improving the speed of intestines. – Make a habit of toilet. Try to defecate at a fixed time every day and never stop the urge. – Do not take laxatives repeatedly without advice. Repeatedly taking constipation medicine can cause the intestines to become dependent on it. Therefore, avoid using such medicines for a long time.
When should one see a doctor?
If constipation persists for several weeks, there is blood in the stool, sudden weight loss, severe stomach pain or new constipation starts if the age is more than 50 years, then a doctor should be contacted. It can also be a sign of some serious disease.
Content Source: WHO, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, National Health Service (NHS), UK.