Constipation is one of the most annoying health conditions that don’t let you live comfortably. It disturbs not only your digestive system but also other systems of your body. That’s why it is known as mothers of all diseases as it becomes the reason behind the other diseases.
It is a common misconception that you are not constipated if you are having bowel movements daily. But the reality is something different. The definition of constipation can’t be limited by the frequency of bowel movements per week. Rather the quality of stool you are passing is also important.
So according to the health specialists, you are constipated if you have one of these symptoms;
- Less than three bowel movements in a week
- Straining to start or during the bowel movement
- Pain during passing stool
- Pebbles and stones like stool consistency
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
Ignoring these symptoms is not good for your overall health. Some of the major health problems that arise due to constipation are;
- Hemorrhoids (piles)
- Anal fissure
- Fecal impaction
- Rectal prolapse (part of the intestine that protrudes from the anus)
- gastritis
- duodenal ulcer
- severe abdominal pain
Now let’s talk about some natural ways and remedies that help you to prevent or relieve constipation.
Try Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk (ispaghol) is 3-4 times more effective than other high fiber-containing foods in relieving constipation. When taking with water or warm milk, this husk makes a gel like substance and softens the constipated stool.
Eat Fiber
Fiber intake is one of the most important ways to avoid constipation. There are two types of fibers in our diet, soluble fibers, and insoluble fibers. Insoluble fibers give bulk to your stool and help the stool to pass more quickly and easily through the digestive system. Whereas soluble fibers absorb water and form a gel-like material. This helps in softening the stool and relieving constipation.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Drinking water is very important for your health. A lot of benefits are associated with drinking an adequate amount of water daily. Your daily consumption of water should be according to your gender, weight, physical activities, and environment.
It detoxifies the toxins in your body. It helps in the proper functionality of your digestive system and keeps your metabolism balance.
Do Not Hold It In
Holding the stool allows the rectum to absorb more water from the fecal material. This makes the stool harder and as result constipation occurs. So it is advisable to not hold stool in any case especially you suffer from constipation.
Excercise Often
Exercise is helpful in many ways. It increases your appetite and it helps the stool to keep moving your colon. That’s why daily exercise is very necessary for avoiding constipation.
Drink Coffee
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks help improve bowel movements. It stimulates your colon and decreases the chances of constipation.
But if your constipation is due to IBS, you should avoid coffee in that scenario.
Try Prunes
Prunes are dries form of plums. Try their juice or eat the fruit to get relief from this disturbing condition of constipation.
Prunes juice is also available in the form of different syrups under different brand names.
When To See Your Doctor?
If the natural remedies are not working for your constipation, you should consult the health provider immediately. Constipation can lead to serious health issues. It also decreases your appetite and increases bloating. In this situation, you can’t do your daily chores. So, to make your life easy, you should take your constipation seriously.
You can find and consult the best doctors in Pakistan through an online platform Marham. During the covid-19 pandemic, visiting doctors in their clinics and hospitals become difficult. That’s why telemedicine is an easy and safe option for you all. You can now consult the best doctors through Marham’s online consultation platform. Stay home, stay safe!
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