The causes of the occurrence are various. Among the most common are improper diet, a sedentary lifestyle, temporary or prolonged feelings of stress or the co-occurrence of other diseases. If this ailment occurs, it is worth reaching for natural ways to deal with this ailment.
What is constipation?
Constipation is difficulty having a bowel movement. They occur when food debris lodges in the digestive tract. During constipation, the food content becomes thicker and causes problems with its expulsion. A person may clearly feel a need that cannot be satisfied. Such a problem in the long run can even lead to intestinal damage.
Types of constipation
Difficulties with bowel movements can be divided according to their frequency of occurrence. Thus, constipation is distinguished:
- Short-lived – lasting for a short time, but having a recurrent character. They require consultation with a specialist,
- temporary – caused by a specific situation, such as a change in diet,
- Chronic – related to lifestyle and habits formed over the years,
- Habitual – occurring in children at the stage of learning to use the toilet.
What are the symptoms of constipation?
Symptoms accompanying constipation are complex in nature. Some clearly indicate problems with the functioning of the digestive system, while others are more general. The presence of constipation is said to occur when:
- Excretion occurs twice a week or less.
- Using the toilet causes pain,
- The stool is hard, and there is often mucus or blood in it,
- Despite a long stay in the toilet, one has a feeling as if the bowel movement is incomplete.
Constipation is accompanied by such ailments as:
- bloating,
- heaviness,
- abdominal pains,
- nausea,
- lack of appetite,
- Fever and subfebrile state,
- general deterioration of well-being.
Causes of constipation
The reasons for the occurrence of this ailment are various in nature. They can be divided into mechanical, toxic, functional, psychological, metabolic or related to taking certain medications. Sometimes constipation occurs as a reaction of the body to long-term ignoring of the need to use the toilet. The most common bowel movement problems include:
- Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract – causes intestinal constriction,
- Intestinal obstruction – arises, for example, as a result of a hernia,
- Irritable bowel syndrome – alternating constipation and diarrhea,
- diseases – diabetes, hypothyroidism, depression,
- Allergy to cow’s milk,
- stress.
In addition, bowel problems can be a side effect of taking diuretics, opiate-containing preparations or drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease or seizures. People who take excessive doses of iron or use heartburn medications that contain aluminum oxide or calcium are also prone to constipation.
How is constipation diagnosed?
With constipation of a short-term or chronic nature, it is necessary to visit a doctor. He will take a medical history and examine the abdomen. If bowel problems are a really tiresome problem, then a per rectum test for fecal occult blood is recommended. Other methods that can clearly determine the cause of bowel problems include a blood test, colonoscopy or contrast infusion.
Why is constipation so detrimental to health?
The body gets rid of food debris, toxins and bacteria through bowel movements. Any disruption of this activity is considered a medical condition that should be treated. Chronic constipation leads to a number of dangerous diseases such as:
- intestinal diverticula – protuberances appearing on the intestinal mucosa, into which food content can penetrate. This threatens inflammation of the intestine and even rupture.
- Hemorrhoidal disease – hemorrhoids, or bleeding nodules, are blood vessels that are responsible for controlling the excretion process. Pressure on the abdominal cavity when the abdominal muscles tighten with constipation leads to inflammation of the hemorrhoids.
- Fecal stones – sometimes as a result of chronic constipation, the food content becomes hard as a stone. Because of this, it irritates the intestinal mucosa, leads to obstruction and even the formation of ulcers.
- general poisoning of the body – bloating, gas, headaches and general weakness of the body. Symptoms of poisoning are also skin problems and bad breath. Such a condition also causes significant problems with the immune system. Because of constipation, the body is more susceptible to allergies and colds.
- Mental and emotional problems – the inability to defecate takes a toll on the psyche – causes a lot of stress, contributes to feeling uncomfortable at home and in the company of others.
Constipation should also be taken seriously because it is not a disease in its own right. They can be a symptom of dangerous health problems such as intestinal adhesions, polyps, or colon cancer.
The golden remedy for constipation – diet, exercise and rest
When fighting constipation, it is not necessary to immediately reach for pharmacological solutions. In many cases it is enough to change lifestyle, diet, increase daily physical activity and reduce stress levels. It is worth starting to use a natural remedy for constipation in the form of Alax Fix supplement, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive system. However, it should be emphasized that supplements are not a proper solution to the problem, they are only a supportive measure and should be used on an ad hoc basis.
Vegetables and fruits as a way out of constipation
To get rid of problems in the toilet, we should first change our habits in the kitchen. It is essential to include vegetables and fruits in our daily diet. They contain fiber, essential for the body, which stimulates intestinal peristalsis, i.e. improves the reflex of moving food content. Such a diet is called a rich-fiber diet. It is recommended to consume, at least 500 grams of vegetables and 300 grams of fruit per day, preferably in raw or cooked versions. Particularly recommended are carrots, beets, peppers, zucchini, apples, oranges, as well as fresh and dried prunes.
Whole grain products and pickles
Products made from refined grains should be replaced with their whole-grain counterparts. Instead of white bread, rice and wheat pasta, it is better to choose wholemeal bread, groats and brown pasta. Of fats, products such as olive oil, cold-pressed oils and butter (in reasonable quantities) are recommended. Very beneficial for the digestive system is flaxseed, which can be added to dishes or drunk as an infusion. Fermented food, including any type of pickled vegetables – cucumbers, cabbage, zucchini, beets – and dairy products such as kefir, buttermilk or yogurt are also natural remedies for constipation.
What for constipation? Herbs and natural preparations
In removing bowel problems, it is essential to increase the daily intake of fluids, as well as to enrich it with natural dietary supplements. The right amount of water in the body is responsible for the proper formation of digestive contents. Remedies that can be taken during constipation:
- Senescence – contains active substances have a fairly strong laxative and cleansing effect. It should be used strictly according to the recommendations of the leaflet;
- Fennel – leads to the elimination of gas and flatulence, and eliminates the feeling of heaviness;
- Psyllium plantain – improves intestinal function, and thanks to its mucus content improves the condition of the mucosa, so it is recommended for inflammatory bowel conditions.
People who are not fond of the taste of herbal infusions should reach for herbal medicinal products in the form of tablets such as Alax. Their composition includes m. Neo-Capsiderm buckthorn bark extract and aloe vera leaf juice powder, which improve intestinal peristaltic movements. Herbs that aid digestion in the form of infusions can also be helpful.
What is better to avoid?
Highly processed foods low in fiber such as sweets, salty snacks, white bread and fast food should be excluded from the diet. Problems with bowel movements are caused by excessive consumption of meat, cold cuts and animal fat. You can also give up vegetables that are responsible for bloating, namely legumes, cabbage and cauliflower. However, keep in mind that these vegetables are rich in fiber and are worth including in your diet.
Physical activity – a natural remedy for constipation
Movement is the second most important factor in treating constipation. It doesn’t have to be intense, a half-hour walk every day is enough – the important thing is to move regularly. Bowel movement is supported by any physical activity, especially running, fitness, yoga, cycling and swimming. It is worth adding abdominal muscle exercises. People with sedentary jobs should, every hour, get up from their desks and take a walk, and preferably do some exercises. Gentle abdominal massages or warm compresses are also helpful.
Also check: drugs for constipation
Relieve stress
Stress is good only if it lasts for a short time. Then we gain the mobilization to perform a certain activity. However, chronic tension in the body leads to many health problems, including constipation. People struggling with experiencing excessive stress should try relaxation techniques. Meditation, a more optimistic attitude, reducing stressors, spending more time with loved ones and getting enough sleep every day are also helpful.
Say goodbye to constipation forever
Permanent change of existing habits can effectively get rid of bowel problems. The above recommendations not only improve the condition of the bowels, but also improve overall health and well-being.
