Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation is a condition characterized by irregular bowel movements. Individuals having less than 3 bowel movements per week are known to suffer from constipation.

What causes constipation?

Constipation can be the resultant reaction of the following factors or conditions:

• Development of blockage or obstruction in the large intestine or rectum
• Neurological problems that have developed in the regions of the colon and rectum
• Difficulty in the pelvic muscles that do not allow the contraction and relaxation to occur properly
• Certain disease conditions that interfere with the hormonal balance

What are the different types of constipation?

Constipation is essentially of two types: acute and chronic. Acute constipation is a temporary condition and usually occurs due to some sort of accident or injury to the colon. Chronic constipation is by and large a permanent problem and strikes individual, in whom the colon is unable to properly carry out the task of food digestion and waste elimination. Other types of constipation include, age related constipation, travel related constipation, functional constipation and pregnancy related constipation.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Individuals with constipation experience the following symptoms:

• Passing less than 3 stools a week
• Passing hard stools
• Need to exert strain while passing stool
• Having the feeling as if the individual is unable to completely empty out the waste from the body
• Feeling of some blockage in rectum
• Need assistance to remove the stool from the rectum; such as putting pressure on the abdomen or using finger to remove stool from rectum

What is the treatment of constipation?

The primary mode of treatment includes making changes in the dietary habits and lifestyle factors to improve the condition. Dietary changes recommended for constipated individuals include an increase in fiber intake. Individuals are also advised to improve their water intake and to exercise daily. If such changes fail to show effect over time, then doctor may recommend the following ways to treat the condition:

• Laxatives to help the waste get moving inside the colon. Some examples of laxative include fiber supplements, stimulants, Osmotics, lubricants as well as stool softeners.
• Medications such as lubiprostone and linaclotide are prescribed if laxatives show no effect.
• Biofeedback training are also advised to strengthen the pelvic muscles.

How can constipation be prevented?

Following certain steps can certainly help in preventing constipation from setting in. These steps include:

• Eating a diet rich in fiber; aim for at least 30 grams of fiber per day
• Drinking more fluids; aim for at least 8 – 10 glasses of water per day
• Exercising regularly
• Set proper toilet habits in your child right from early years of development

Diet and lifestyle changes in constipation?

If you are suffering from constipation, it is necessary to make certain important changes in your dietary habits and lifestyle factors. Including more fibrous sources in your diet everyday is of utmost importance. Secondly, it is also necessary to drink more fluids and decrease the intake of caffeinated drinks that can cause constipation to set in. Moreover, it is also recommended that you make exercise an important part of your daily regime.

What is Ayurvedic treatment of constipation?

Ayurvedic herbs can really do wonders in treating constipation. The various herbs that are helpful include triphala, abhyarishtha, panchaskar, gandhak vati, virechani and avipaatikar powder.