Has it been harder to pass stool lately? Do you also sometimes feel a slight pain in your lower abdomen or a sense of bloating? You may then be suffering from a bout of constipation.
What is Constipation?
Constipation in simple terms basically means when your bowel movements are not as frequent and/or are tough. It basically happens when the muscles of the colon do not function properly in pushing the feces out, and thus leads to it being dry, hard and hard to pass out.
It’s a fairly common condition and one that almost everyone goes through every once in a while. A point to note however is that it itself may be an underlying symptom of a more severe medical condition or diseases like hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and anal fissures.
Common Symptoms of Constipation:
- Small or hard feces
- Less frequent bowel movements
- Trouble in a bowel movement; i.e., difficulty in passing the feces
- A sense of bloating in the stomach
What are the Causes of Constipation in Adults?
There are actually a number of reasons and mistakes you might be making in your daily lifestyle that leads to this fairly common condition that may actually turn chronic sometimes:
Poor Diet
Consuming food that is extremely rich in sugar and low in fiber or in meals that are high in animal fat content such as eggs and dairy products.
Lack of Fluid Intake
Adequate consumption of water is vital to our health; if not, it leads to the feces drying up and putting more pressure on the colon
Ignoring the Gastro-Colic Reflex
Resisting the natural urge to pass feces is a big no-no as, after a period, you will no longer feel like, thus leading to a bout of constipation and bloating.
Use of Certain Medications
The use of certain kinds of medicines like antacids that contain calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and diuretics. The habitual use and abuse of laxatives may worsen the situation as after a point the bowel becomes unaffected by the action of the laxatives.
Increased intake of Caffeine and Alcohol
These two substances lead to increased urination and excretion, thus leading to possible dehydration and consequent constipation.
Other Medical Conditions
Conditions like Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal obstructions like gallstones, foreign bodies, hernia, or a distended abdomen.
Pregnancy
Certain factors during pregnancy may lead to constipation such as hormonal changes, food, and fluid intake changes, pressure on the bowel due to the womb, etc.
Age May Play a Role
It has been seen that elderly people are more susceptible to suffering from constipation due to causes like lack of exercise, regular use of laxatives and other medication, and poor bowel habits generally.
Hypothyroidism
With the reduced secretion of thyroxin, constipation may be caused.
Tips for Natural Home Remedies to Cure Constipation Quickly
Water ~ Helps to Relieve Constipation
This is by far the most vital and best remedy to relieve oneself of the condition very Dehydration leads to constipation very fast, so remember to stay hydrated all day and keep those kidneys happy and healthy.
Probiotics ~ Aids in Better Bowel Movement
Probiotics like yogurt and kimchi contain active bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that help to treat chronic constipation by fighting the ‘bad bacteria’ in the system. They promote gut movement and hence make it easier to pass feces of a better consistency.
Broccoli
This is an excellent source of fiber, proteins, and vitamins that help to soften the feces and make constipation go away Try to throw in some broccoli in your meals frequently so as to promote regular bowel movement.
Oatmeal
This helps to soften the feces, and ease its passage through the intestines because of its soluble fiber content. It also has insoluble fibers which add bulk to the feces and help to relieve the system
Apple
They’re known as natural laxatives because of the insoluble fiber content of their skins and because of the presence of pectin that helps to stimulate the bowels. An added advantage of eating apples is the fact that it keeps you feeling full as well.
Regulation of Dairy Intake
It has been seen that sometimes constipation is due to the dairy intolerance of some people. Remove such products from your diet temporarily to see if the condition is relieved. This is a vital step so as to prevent constipation from turning chronic.
Caffeine ~ Helps to Increase Metabolism
This has an interesting effect on your body as it stimulates the muscles of the digestive system and promotes excellent metabolism. It also contains small amounts of fiber that may help too. However, don’t go too overboard as it acts as a diuretic, and actually ends up dehydrating your body excessively.
Exercise ~ Best Treatment for Constipation
Proper exercise with regular walks can help to ease the symptoms of constipation, even if not completely eliminating it.
With the movement of the body and its muscles, digestion is stimulated and aided greatly.
Going for a walk right after a meal is an excellent habit to have. Some of the forms of exercises you may consider are yoga, swimming and even running.
Baking Soda
The use of this item with its bicarbonate content helps to neutralize all the acid in the stomach, as well as to release all the gas, thus easing the bowel movement extremely fast. It should be had along with a glass of some warm water for best results.
Aloe Vera
This is an excellent herbal remedy for constipation. It rids the body of toxins and initiates regular bowel movements as well, giving it the name ‘purgative herb’. It is a natural laxative that is packed with nutrients that help to heal the gut.
Flaxseed Oil
This is an extremely effective remedy that is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. Being an oil, it acts as a lubricant in the intestines and in this way makes it easier for the feces to pass out.
Raisins Help In Curing Constipation
These contain tartaric acid that acts as a laxative, apart from being high in fiber content.
Sesame Seeds
They help to soften and moisturize the intestines and solve the issue of dry
Ayurveda Treatment
According to its system, constipation is due to an imbalance in the Vata Dosha; this can be solved only when it is heated up from within. Drinking herbal brews like a tea with some ginger in it before meals can yield excellent and positive results by speeding up the process of elimination.
It is always advisable to go for natural remedies that can be done at home, for they give the best and safest results. They have fewer harmful side effects that most conventional drugs have, and are always the healthier alternative.
Nonetheless, the problem shouldn’t be ignored at any cost, for it can point to a more serious underlying problem for adults, teens, elderly and pregnant women, alike.
Visit your in-house physician if the problem persists for long and if you have symptoms such as blood in your feces, sudden loss of weight, pain during bowel movements, etc.
I’m Rhea, a fitness enthusiast, and a food lover. I am a housemaker, foodie, writer from NYC. I am a passionate writer and I love exploring places. Since I love cooking and working out, I am sharing my organic food recipes, fitness and beauty tips with the world. Trying to touch lives with some useful information.
