[Constipation] The reason for constipation & Treatment

Hello there,

Is everyone living a healthy life?

In this session, we will learn about constipation.

It is important to eat well in our lives, but it is also important to discharge well.

What is constipation?

Constipation is a common digestive issue characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. It occurs when the stool moves through the digestive tract at a slower rate than usual, leading to the accumulation of dry and hard stool in the colon. This can result in discomfort, pain, and difficulty in passing stool.

Common symptom

1. Infrequent bowel movements: Bowel movements occurring less than three times a week may indicate constipation.
2. Straining: Needing to strain excessively to pass stool.
3. Hard stools: Stools that are dry, lumpy, and difficult to pass.
4. Incomplete evacuation: Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels after passing stool.
5. Abdominal discomfort: Cramps, bloating, or pain in the abdominal area.
6. Anal fissures: Small tears in the skin around the anus, often due to straining during bowel movements.

Several factors can contribute to constipation

1. Inadequate fiber intake: A lack of dietary fiber can lead to harder stools and slower transit through the intestines.
2. Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can result in dry stools that are harder to pass.
3. Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can slow down bowel movements.
4. Certain medications: Some medications, such as painkillers, antacids with aluminum, and certain antidepressants, can cause constipation.
5. Medical conditions: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism, and neurological disorders can contribute to constipation.
6. Ignoring the urge: Ignoring the body’s signals to have a bowel movement can lead to constipation over time.
7. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure on the intestines during pregnancy can cause constipation.
8. Aging: Bowel function can slow down as people get older.

Some treatment of constipation

1. Dietary Changes:
   • Increase Fiber Intake: Consuming more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts can help add bulk to the stool and promote regular bowel movements.
   • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep stools soft and easier to pass.
2. Lifestyle Modifications:
   • Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive health.
   • Establish Regular Bathroom Habits: Responding promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement can prevent stool from becoming harder and more difficult to pass.
3. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:
   • Fiber Supplements: If increasing dietary fiber is challenging, fiber supplements like psyllium husk or methylcellulose can be taken with water to help soften stools.
   • Osmotic Laxatives: These medications increase the water content in the intestines, making stools easier to pass. Examples include polyethylene glycol (PEG) and lactulose.
   • Stool Softeners: These medications help soften stools, making them less likely to become dry and hard. Docusate sodium is a common stool softener.
4. Prescription Medications:
   • Prescription Laxatives: Stronger laxatives, like lubiprostone or linaclotide, may be prescribed by a healthcare provider for more severe cases of constipation.
   • Prokinetic Agents: These medications help improve the movement of the intestines and can be used for certain types of constipation.
5. Biofeedback:
   • Biofeedback therapy can be helpful for people with chronic constipation caused by pelvic floor dysfunction. It involves learning techniques to improve coordination of pelvic floor muscles during bowel movements.
6. Suppositories and Enemas:
   • Suppositories are inserted into the rectum to help soften and lubricate the stool, making it easier to pass.
   • Enemas involve introducing fluid into the rectum to help soften the stool and promote bowel movements.
7. Addressing Underlying Conditions:
   • If constipation is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), treating the underlying condition may alleviate the constipation.

It’s important to note that while over-the-counter treatments can provide relief for occasional constipation, chronic or severe cases should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

*Caution!

Self-treatment with laxatives should be done cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as overuse or misuse of laxatives can lead to dependence and other health issues.

prevention of constipation

Certainly, there are several lifestyle changes and habits you can adopt to help prevent constipation. Here are some effective ways to prevent constipation:

1. Maintain a High-Fiber Diet:
   • Consume a variety of fiber-rich foods such as fruits (especially berries, apples, pears), vegetables (broccoli, spinach, carrots), whole grains (oats, whole wheat, brown rice), legumes (beans, lentils), and nuts.
   • Aim for at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day for adults.
2. Stay Hydrated:
   • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your stools soft and easy to pass. Aim for around 8 glasses (about 2 liters) of water daily, or adjust based on your individual needs.
3. Regular Physical Activity:
   • Engage in regular exercise to stimulate bowel movements and maintain healthy digestive function. Even moderate activity like walking can be beneficial.
4. Establish a Routine:
   • Set aside regular times for bowel movements. Following a consistent schedule can help regulate your digestive system.
5. Listen to Your Body:
   • Respond to the urge to have a bowel movement when you feel it. Ignoring the urge can lead to stool becoming harder and more difficult to pass.
6. Limit Processed Foods:
   • Reduce consumption of processed and low-fiber foods, such as fast food, sugary snacks, and refined grains.
7. Probiotics:
   • Consider consuming foods with probiotics (live beneficial bacteria) like yogurt with active cultures or fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut) to promote healthy gut function.
8. Limit Certain Medications:
   • Some medications, such as certain painkillers and antacids with aluminum, can contribute to constipation. If possible, consult with your healthcare provider about alternatives.
9. Moderate Caffeine Intake:
   • Caffeine can have a mild laxative effect for some people. However, excessive consumption can lead to dehydration, so moderation is key.
10. Manage Stress:
    • Chronic stress can affect digestive health. Engage in stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or regular relaxation activities.
11. Avoid Holding Back:
    • Do not delay or suppress the urge to have a bowel movement. Holding back can contribute to constipation over time.
12. Limit Dairy Intake (If Applicable):
    • Some people are sensitive to dairy products, which can contribute to constipation. If you suspect dairy might be a factor, consider reducing your intake or choosing lactose-free options.
13. Maintain a Healthy Weight:
    • Being overweight or underweight can affect digestive function. Aim for a balanced weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

 

This is how we found out about constipation.

As mentioned above, constipation can improve just by changing your lifestyle, so don’t suffer from constipation in your precious life.

 

For our healthy life.