Constipation is a major irritable, sickening and debilitating condition, when one experiences insufficient evacuation of the bowel, and dry or painful passing of stool. It is extremely annoying and embarrassing.

Causes of Constipation

Constipation can be caused by a number of different factors. Few of them are as below:

• Lack of enough fiber in the diet - If you are not consuming enough fiber on a daily basis, you are more likely to suffer constipation problem. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables and grains and these are essential for a proper functional diet.

• Lack of enough exercises on regular basis - Constipation seems to occur to people who lead inactive lives the most. You are at higher risk to constipation if you aren’t active or if you are older and unable to exercise frequently.

• Pregnancy - Women who are pregnant have a high risk of becoming constipated because of the hormonal changes that occur when pregnant. To cure this one should include more fiber in their diet then usual needs when she becomes pregnant and finds that constipation becomes a problem.

• Ignoring the urge to use the bathroom - This is also one of the major causes of constipation because refusing to use the bathroom when your body is urging you to throws off your bowel system and forces it to strain. This causes constipation because the body will eventually stop feeling the need to use the bathroom if the urge is ignored enough.

• Drinking milk on a regular basis- This can also cause constipation because it blocks the system. Most laxatives will easily fix this minor problem.

• Problems with intestinal function- When the intestines are not working properly or are obstructed, it may also lead to constipation and may cause serious damage to your entire stomach area.

• Dehydration - Drinking water ensures that the waste material is well lubricated, allowing for an easy passage along the colon. Becoming dehydrated has the opposite effect. Drinks with caffeine like coffee, tea, sodas worsen constipation as they aid dehydration.

• Some particular diseases - Diseases like neurological disorders and metabolic and endocrine disorders will cause constipation and reduce bowel movements. These conditions must be brought to a doctor’s attention to prevent severe damage from happening.

• Specific medications – Sometimes pain medications and anti-depressants can also lead to the development of constipation. These medicines can block the bowel movement from happening properly or can stop it entirely.

Symptoms of Constipation

Although the symptoms of constipation may vary with person but some common symptoms of constipation are:

• Hard and dry stools
• Straining too much to pass stools
• Painful bowel movement
• Feeling of bloated stomach
• Uneasiness and sluggishness
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

Diet for Constipation

Eat fruits and vegetables rich in fiber and also include non-dehydrated fluids in your diet. You should drink 6 to 8 glasses of purified water each day to encourage a healthy bowel. Adding lots of water is always beneficial for constipation sufferers.

Home Remedies for Constipation

• Drink humid water mixed with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and half a lemon juice each morning on an empty stomach.

• Another useful home remedy for constipation is to drink lemon juice mixed with warm water 2-3 times a day.

• Immerse 10-12 big raisins in a cup of milk and bring to boil, first eat the raisins then drink the milk.

• Pears are also found valuable in the treatment of constipation. Patients suffering from chronic constipation must include this fruit or its juice for a few days, but in usual cases, a medium-sized pear taken after dinner or with breakfast will have the preferred effect.

• Guava is helpful in treating your constipation. When eaten with seeds, it offers roughage to the diet and helps in the usual evacuation of the bowels. So a person suffering from constipation must take 1-2 guavas every day.

• Mix 2 teaspoon husk seed (Isabgol) in 1/2 a cup of hot milk and drink instantly. This is an effective home remedy for constipation.

• Mix 1/4 teaspoon of Epsom salt to 1/2 a glass of water and drink. This helps you in relieving constipation.

• Mix 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger powder with a pinch of asafoetida and a bit of black salt in a little warm water and sip it. This is very simple but an effective home treatment for constipation.

• Regular exercises also help in relieving constipation. Walking is one of the best exercises for the prevention or cure of constipation.

Natural Cures for Constipation

Constipation treatment requires change in dietary habits, laxatives, fiber therapy, enemas, and rarely surgery. Person suffering from constipation must increase the intake of water and other fluids, and dietary fiber. Vegetables, bran and fruits are the chief source of dietary fibers.

• Increase your intake of potassium through eating foods like prunes, tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, kale, sesame seeds, wheat germ, brewers yeast, pineapple and cauliflower that are high in potassium. Potassium works wonders on the walls of the colon and helps to stimulate peristaltic action which makes your bowels move. It also helps to clean out layers of mucus and dried fecal matter that have built up along the colon walls.

• Aloe is an effective natural remedy for constipation. Aloe, buckthorn, frangula and senna have natural laxative chemicals and can be very powerful constipation cures.

• Triphala is also commonly used in the treatment of constipation. It is a composition of three herbs: Emblica officinalis (Amla), Terminalia chebula (Harada) and Terminalia belerica (Behada). It is regarded as one of the best colon cleansers and is highly recommended in constipation. It helps in detoxification of the body. It has gained the popularity as the mild laxative.

• Another commonly used natural cure for constipation is Psyllium. It has long been used to help relieve constipation as it is loaded with soluble fiber. Make sure you take psyllium with lots of water.

• Flax seed is also used in the treatment of constipation. You can buy the flaxseeds and crush them yourself. Take 1-2 tablespoons a day with lots of water. You will need to make sure you get at least 8 glasses of water a day when using flax.

Constipation and Yoga

Yoga is an ancient art that not only makes you fit and healthy but also helps in treating many common ailments. It is also useful for those suffering with constipation. When it comes to chronic constipation, the following Yoga Poses will be beneficial in alleviating constipation problems.

• The Bow Pose
• The Shoulder Stand
• The Peacock Pose
• The Abdominal Lifts
• The Breathing Exercises.

These poses specifically target the abdominal region of the body and help you in relieving constipation.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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