Constipation is a problem that affects a growing group of people. In European countries, almost one in four adults complain of it. Studies show that every year there are more and more people affected by this problem. It is often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle and irregular and unhealthy diet. Let’s consider how we can naturally eliminate constipation and improve the comfort of life.
Problems with bowel movements – constipation
Constipation is not just a matter of the defecation problem itself, but also pain, the need for frequent and ineffective visits to the toilet, and the constant pondering of how to remedy it. Constipation, also known as constipation or obstruction, is, by definition, difficulty defecating (having a bowel movement). Constipation is said to occur when bowel movements are too infrequent (less than every other day).
Causes of constipation
Poor eating habits and an inactive lifestyle are most often responsible for the occurrence of constipation. Constipation can often occur in people whose diet contains small amounts of liquid products and fiber-rich foods. If this is compounded by a sedentary lifestyle and little physical exercise, then the problem is ready.Taking into account the age of patients in whom constipation occurs with the greatest frequency, it was found that these are the elderly. Pregnant women are also at an increased risk of constipation. Other causes of constipation include: intestinal dysfunction due to intestinal obstruction, intestinal scarring or cancerous lesions, among others, “ignoring signals” of the need for a bowel movement, i.e. deliberately delaying it. Stress is also not insignificant for bowel function.
How to deal with the problem of constipation?
To deal with habitual constipation, it is usually enough to follow a few rules. However, this requires a lot of determination, as temporary dietary modifications or lifestyle changes will only bring temporary improvement.
Constipation can be eliminated by making appropriate dietary changes. You should increase your intake of fiber and fluids, and avoid foods that have a constipating effect, such as white fresh bread and hard-to-digest foods that require a long digestion time. These include fried dishes, high-fat products (e.g., blue cheese, sausages), and chocolate candy. Fermented dairy drinks, such as kefir or yogurt, should be included in the diet. The bacteria in them facilitate regular intestinal function. Special attention should be paid to the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Proper food preparation technique is also important. Instead of frying, choose stewing or boiling, which make meals easily digestible, and require shorter digestion time. A meal plan should be imposed on yourself. The optimal recommendation is to reach for food five times a day at relatively fixed times. It is imperative to pay attention to chewing each bite of food thoroughly. This is especially important for efficient digestion and the work of the digestive tract. Do not withhold a bowel movement. It is necessary to take care of your bowels from the morning, since the large intestine is most active at this time of day. That’s why the morning is the best time to “sit longer” on the toilet. Suppressing this morning “bathroom” reflex is an important factor in causing bowel dysregulation. Special attention should be paid to leading an active lifestyle. Daily movement – min. 40 min. will definitely support the work of the intestines. Abdominal muscle exercises are also very helpful. The most important thing is to exercise systematically. Try to avoid or limit stressful situations. Stress affects the functioning of the so-called vegetative nervous system, which regulates the functioning of all internal organs. Long-lasting tension or mental strain can therefore contribute to digestive disorders and the onset of constipation. It is important to learn to express your emotions especially uncomfortable ones, and then find the best way for you to calm them and relax your muscles, such as a warm bath, a walk, etc. If even this does not help, seek help from a psychologist or go to a workshop that can help with this.
Also check: herbs for digestion
ALAX – a natural remedy for constipation
For most people, constipation is a reversible phenomenon, so medications should be resorted to occasionally, as their use can cause a number of side effects leading even to worsening of the existing problem. The ideal ad hoc solution is to take advantage of nature’s resources available in the form of easy-to-swallow tablets such as ALAX. ALAX contains both the powdered juice of aloe vera leaves and the dry extract of buckthorn bark, so it combines the laxative effects of both plant extracts. It is worth noting that the ALAX preparation is a drug.
Aloe Vera and Buckthorn – plant components of the drug ALAX
Aloe vera and buckthorn are plant ingredients that have proven efficacy in treating constipation. Alona, the concentrated juice of various species of aloe vera, contains so-called anthraglycosides (these compounds are characterized by a mild or strong laxative effect, depending on the structure of the molecule). The mechanism of aloe vera’s laxative action is to reduce the “escape” of sodium ions and water from the intestines into the blood, while provoking an influx of water from the blood into the intestines, so that fecal masses are liquefied. The liquefaction of fecal masses, results in an easier and painless bowel movement. Bark of buckthorn also contains anthraxes. The mechanism of action of buckthorn is to irritate the nerve endings of the intestines, resulting in an increase in their peristaltic movements (allowing fecal masses to move) and inhibiting the “escape” of water from the intestines.
Use of ALAX drug
Like any drug, ALAX has some contraindications to use. The main contraindication is the age of the patient – it should be at least 12 years old. Virtually all preparations with a laxative effect have such recommendations. For children under 12 years of age, only dietary treatment (apples with skin, prunes, figs) should be used. Further contraindications are hypersensitivity (allergy) to the ingredients of the preparations, intestinal obstruction and strictures, intestinal atony and other intestinal diseases, appendicitis, as well as pregnancy (laxatives can cause miscarriages).
Over-the-counter constipation medication ALAX should be taken ad hoc with 1 to 2 tablets before bedtime and washed down with a glass of boiled water. The effect of buckthorn bark is mildly laxative, and aloe vera – strongly laxative. The first effects of using the above plant extracts can occur as early as 8 hours. Therefore, it is recommended to take laxatives before bedtime, so that in the morning you can easily have a bowel movement.
What should be kept in mind when using ALAX drug?
Laxatives stimulate our intestines to work. If they are taken continuously, the intestines will become “lazy” and will not provoke bowel movements on their own. Therefore, it is important to take laxatives only when constipation occurs. The drug ALAX should therefore be taken on an ad hoc basis, for no longer than a week.
