Home »  Living Healthy »  Constipation Treatment: Know The Best Ways To Get Rid Of It Permanently

Constipation Treatment: Know The Best Ways To Get Rid Of It Permanently

Medically, constipation is defined as passing fewer than three stools per week. Here are some useful constipation remedies

Constipation Treatment: Know The Best Ways To Get Rid Of It Permanently

Constipation can make you feel annoyed, uncomfortable and stuck up

HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Chronic constipation can lead to anal fissure
  2. Low-fibre diet can cause constipation
  3. Exercising regularly is important for preventing constipation

Constipation, the C of the ABC (Acidity, Bloating, Constipation) of digestive issues, can make you feel annoyed, uncomfortable and stuck up. Constipation is defined medically as passing fewer than three stools per week. But it also encompasses many more symptoms like infrequent bowel movements, straining when passing a stool which could be hard or small, a sense of unsatisfactory or incomplete evacuation with lower abdominal discomfort and bloating. This could also be accompanied by stomach ache, cramps, nausea and loss of appetite.

Also read: Do You Have Acidity? Know The Best Ways To Get Rid Of It Once For All

Chronic constipation can lead to complications like anal fissure, rectal bleeding, piles/hemorrhoids. Constipation is usually caused by the slow movement of material through the colon. Constipation can be of different types - age-related, travel-related, pregnancy-related, occasional or chronic. The lifestyle factors that cause constipation include:

constipation remedies constipation treatment


Constipation: Treatments and remedies
Photo Credit: iStock


1. Low fiber intake or change in diet can lead to change in bowel movements. When you start a new weight-loss program, or suddenly start taking high-protein diets, high-fat diets, too much processed foods or caffeine, it can trigger constipation. Alcohol dehydrates the system and can cause constipation too.



2. Lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle can slow down metabolism, which causes constipation. Aged people tend to have a sedentary life and hence prone to constipation.

3. Insufficient intake of fluids leads to constipation.

4. Certain medications, especially painkillers, diuretics and anti-depressants, and some supplements (like iron and spirulina) can lead to constipation. You may need to take a stool softener or fibre supplement alongside such medicines.

constipation remedies constipation treatment

Avoid unnecessary drugs as they can lead to constipation
Photo Credit: iStock

5. An underlying condition like irritable bowel syndrome

6. Prolonged use of laxatives and then withdrawal

7. Hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism can also alter bowel movements

Also read: Do You Feel Bloated? Know The Best Ways To Get Rid Of Bloating

FAQ: How can I have a normal bowel movement?

How to treat constipation?

Occasional or travel-related constipation usually resolves by itself. If the cause is an underlying condition, then the condition needs to be resolved. However most cases of constipation can be treated with the following diet and lifestyle changes:

1. Increasing fiber intake - A daily fiber intake of 25-30 grams is recommended. 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables a day are recommended. Intake of refined cereals must be avoided. Whole grains, whole pulses, nuts and seeds are a good source of fiber apart from a host of other nutrients. Prunes are a great source of fiber too; 2-4 prunes a day can help up your daily intake.

 

fibre

Fibre can play a great role in treating constipation

2. Regular exercise - It not only stimulates the external muscles, but also the internal muscles. Increased physical activity and regular exercise helps to regularize peristaltic movement in the gut and improves bowel movement.

 

constipation remedies constipation treatment

Exercise: An effective constipation remedy
Photo Credit: iStock

3. Improve hydration - Water is essential for all metabolic activities, especially digestion. Increasing water intake helps in smooth bowel movements. An intake of 3 liters of water a day can be beneficial. People suffering from constipation can consume a liter of water, early morning to facilitate smooth bowel movement.
 

drinking water

Constipation treatment: Drink more water to stay hydtared
Photo Credit: iStock

4. Avoid holding in stools - respond to your body's natural urges. Set aside enough time for satisfactory evacuation. Elevate your feet and keep them on a stool so that your knees are above hip-level or use Indian style commode.

5. Probiotics containing Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are beneficial in relieving constipation.

6. Over-the-counter Laxatives - If diet and lifestyle changes do not help relieve constipation, you may have to resort to OTC laxatives. A lot of options are available, but these must be used as a last resort, and with caution, to avoid over-use and avoid forming a habit.

1. Stimulants - make the muscles in the intestine contract rhythmically.

Read: How can irregular bowels be managed?

2. Lubricants -
help the stool to move down the colon easily. Mineral oils and fish oils are often used as lubricants.

3. Stool softeners - soften the stool for easy movement

4. Osmotics - facilitate the movement of fluids in the colon. A magnesium citrate supplement is a fairly quick constipation remedy.

5. Fiber supplements - also called bulking agents are by far the safest available laxatives. Psyllium husk is a popular and safe bulking agent. It must be taken with plenty of water.

6. Ayurveda - Many people have benefited from taking Triphala tablets. Take 2-3 Triphala tablets with warm water at bedtime.


Promoted
Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

Most importantly, the lifestyle changes adopted should be permanent to prevent repeated episodes or chronic form of constipation and to prevent its complications. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

COMMENT

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

................... Advertisement ...................

 

................... Advertisement ...................

................... Advertisement ...................

................... Advertisement ...................

--------------------------------Advertisement---------------------------------- -