What Causes Constipation and How to Prevent It? Read Dos and Don’ts

Constipation means that a person has fewer bowel movements in a week or month. As the large intestine absorbs too much water hence stool is hard and dry. Sometimes it is even painful to pass. Almost everyone faces this problem –if it remains for a short time then there is not much to worry about but in case it lasts longer then you need medical help.

Constipation is the opposite of diarrhea and is caused by irritable bowel syndrome. Many times it happens because the colon has absorbed too much water from the food. As the food moves slower through the digestive tract, the colon will absorb more water from it consequently, the feces become hard and dry. When this occurs emptying the bowels becomes painful.

Symptoms of Constipation

Signs and symptoms of constipation include:

• Having hard stool.

• Staining to have a bowel movements.

• Passing fewer than three stools a week.

• Abdomen pain.

• Absent bowel sound in intestine.

• Rectal bleeding caused by hard stool.

• Loss of appetite.

Causes of Constipation

The causes of constipation can be divided into three categories that are congenital, primary, and secondary. Primary is the most common type and is not life-threatening. It can be divided into age groups such as children and adults.

Some common causes are :

• Lack of fiber in the diet, low liquid intake, or dieting. Fibers help to decrease colonial transport time, soften stool, and increase stool bulk. Therefore, a low fiber diet can lead to Primary constipation.

• It can occur when someone is physically inactive.

• Some people become constipated when they consume dairy products.

• Pregnancy: constipation in pregnant women occurs due to hormones that relax the intestinal muscles and the pressure of expanding uterus on the large intestines. Sometimes iron Capsules may contribute to constipation.

• As a person gets older, the metabolism slows down, resulting in less intestinal activity and he/she becomes constipated.

• Changes in routine.

• Overuse of laxatives.

• Not going to the toilet.

How to Prevent Constipation

It's easier to prevent than to cure So, follow these to stay away from constipation

• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fibers.

• Avoid fast and fried food.

• Drink 4-5 liters of water in a day.

• Exercise regularly.

• Go to toilet when needed.

Natural Home remedies to cure constipation

• Drink excess water.

• Eat more fibers, do not peel fruits before eating like apples, and consume corn flour.

• Have a cup of coffee: caffeine is a stimulant so it can cause you to have a bowel movement but it can also cause dehydration.

• Take an herbal laxative.

• Flaxseed: It is a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Most fibers are found in the husk of flaxseed.

• SAT-ISABGOL: Isabgol is a husk that has fibers in it and fibers are a great remedy for constipation. Psyllium husk when eaten expands in the stomach and helps to push stool out of the body and isabgol has a very sticky texture when it comes in contact with water.

• Baking soda: Add one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Mix both the ingredient well in a bowl and consume this mixture once or twice daily