What exactly is Constipation?
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder that
affects approximately 20% of adults, with the risk of constipation increasing
for older adults. Constipation is
typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week; however,
a person can still experience constipation even if they have a bowel movement
every day! If you have ever strained to have a bowel movement, passed a small,
difficult stool only to return to the bathroom soon after to pass another hard-to-eliminate
stool, or are experiencing abdominal discomfort or pain, a distended stomach,
gas, bloating, nausea, or a loss of appetite, you may not be fully empty your bowels.
The body expels waste
and toxins through regular bowel movements, which are crucial. Home remedies
for constipation include a variety of gentle but potent natural remedies.
Common Causes of Constipation
Constipation can be caused by the following factors:
Antibiotics and
medications
Diet low in fiber
A life of comfort seeking
Tranquility
Dehydration
Drinking enough water
IBS, or irritable
bowel syndrome
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Dysbiosis of the Gut
Hormonal changes
Thyroid dysfunction
or over activity disregarding
The urge to let go of the bowels Abuse of bowel movements
Common Symptoms of Constipation
Even if you have a
daily bowel movement, many other symptoms can indicate constipation, including
the inability to fully release the bowels.
Infrequent bowel movements
Painful, difficult
bowel movements
Pain or discomfort in
the abdomen Gas
Bloating
Bloated stomach
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Feeling sluggish
What Is the Bristol Stool Chart?
The Bristol Stool
Chart is a medical aid designed to classify feces into groups. Using the Bristol Stool Chart can provide
insight into gastrointestinal health and evaluate the effectiveness of
treatments for various bowel diseases.
Before using the
Bristol Stool Chart, examine your stool's shape and texture following a bowel
movement. Stool of Bristol
(1). Easy to pass,
floppy pieces with ragged edges
(2). Soft blobs
(pieces) with clear edges and easy to pass
(3). Liquid, with no solid parts,
(4). shaped like a
sausage or snake, and the surface is smooth.
(5). Sausage-shaped
but lumpy
(6). Sort out hard stools like nuts or lumps.
(7). shaped sausage with surface cracks Type 7 and
type 4 stools are the best. Type 6 and type 5 may indicate constipation,
dehydration, not drinking enough liquids, or a lack of fiber. Types 2, 1, and 3 may indicate diarrhea. You can make changes to your diet or
lifestyle to improve your gastrointestinal health by knowing what a healthy
stool should look like.
How to Diagnose
Constipation Typically,
Constipation can be diagnosed and treated at home by observing
changes in bowel movements and altering diet and lifestyle. If constipation
persists or for any concerns regarding your bowel health, make an appointment
with your doctor to discuss your health, supplements, diet, and lifestyle.
It is essential to consult
a doctor in order to identify or rule out: Blockages in the colon or rectum
Nerve damage around
the colon or rectum
Diseases and hormonal
imbalances that may lead to constipation
Pelvic muscle
problems
How to Get Rid of Constipation
Constipation is commonly treated with diet changes, stool
softeners, laxatives, and medication adjustments. In the short term, laxatives
can be useful and necessary, but prolonged use can have negative effects.
Laxatives can lead to an imbalance of electrolyte, especially when used for an
extended period or misused. Using
laxatives for an extended period of time can also cause muscle in the
intestines to lose their ability to function on their own. As a result,
modifying one's diet is necessary if one wishes to maintain relief from and
prevent constipation.
9 Foods to Naturally Relieve
Constipation
Numerous health
benefits, including regularity in the bowels, have been linked to consuming
sufficient fiber. Aim for 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day for adults. However, it
is estimated that 95% of American adults and children do not consume the
recommended daily amount of fiber. Whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, herbs, and
spices are examples of plant-based foods that contain fiber.
Incorporate the following
fiber-rich foods into your regular diet:
1. Ginger and Ginger
Tea
2. Flaxseed meal
3. Oats
4. Chia Seeds
5. Almonds
6. Lentil, number
7. Magnesium
9. Dried Plum
Chickpeas
1. Ginger and Ginger Tea
Ginger helps improve
blood circulation and can also aid in easing
irritation in the digestive tract. Try drinking daily
intake of one to two cups of ginger tea for bowel support health!
2. Ground Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds contain
approximately 2.8 grams of fiber per
tablespoon. Consider adding one
tablespoon. of flaxseeds ground into a daily smoothie or bowl of oatmeal, or on top of yogurt.
3. Oats
Oats contain 3 grams
of soluble fiber per half-cup serving. Soluble fiber provides many health benefits. It draws water into your gut, which can help soften
Stool and support regular bowel movements.
4. Chia Nuts
One tablespoon of chia seeds has 4 grams of fiber! Chia seeds can be added to smoothies
and energy bars.
Oatmeal, overnight oats, or chia can be made.
pudding.
5. Almonds
Almonds have the most
fiber of any food another liar! There
are 3 grams of fiber in a
one-ounce serving of
almonds, which is 23 almonds.
6. Lentils
Lentils contain more
than just plant-based protein—they’re also
packed with fiber! One
cup of cooked lentils
contains approximately 13.1 grams of dietary
fiber Soups with lentils
are delicious. as a plant-based substitute for meat in tacos or topping a salad or pasta sauce!
7. Magnesium
In addition to the
foods above, adding a A daily supplement of
magnesium citrate
is a great way to
help relax the muscles in the bowels. and clear the bowels.
8. Dried Plums
Prunes, also known as
dried plums, contain the fiber necessary for maintaining
regular bowel
movements. Prunes also help bring water into the bowels, softening stool
for simpler eradication.
9.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are another
fiber-packed bean that is delectable
and extremely adaptable!
In one cup of cooked
chickpeas, approximately 12.5 grams of fiber.
As an addition to saladsand soups, chickpeas hummus, or try them roasted as a crunchy snack!
Lifestyle and Wellness Habits to Relieve Constipation
In addition to eating
fiber-rich foods, the following wellness and lifestyle habits can relief bowel
health:
Castor Oil
When making a castor
oil pack, castor oil is poured onto cotton or
wool and applied to the
midsection before a
heat source like a hot water bottle is added. Numerous health benefits
can be derived from
this practice, which aids in increasing blood circulation to the area being treated.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are compounds made of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Magnesium
is absorbed by your
body through your skin when you take a bath with Epsom salt. This can help relax the gastrointestinal
muscles, making it easier to have a bowel movement.
Exercise
Movement shortens the
time it takes for food to pass through the large intestine and
helps to activate the gut.
Sleep 8 hours
The digestive tract
is encircled by a layer of nerves known as the Enteric Nervous System
(ENS), which runs
from the mouth to the anus The gut-brain connection is another strong
connection that exists between the ENS and the brain
Keeping hydrated
Constipation, hard or
difficult-to-pass stools, fatigue, and a
sluggish metabolism are all signs
of dehydration. Aim
for a daily water intake of at least half your body weight in ounces. Herbal teas that naturally
lack caffeine and water-rich foods like cucumbers,
watermelon, citrus fruits, bell peppers,
lettuce, and grapes are additional sources of hydration support.
Managing Stress
There are many ways
that stress can harm gut health. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which may raise the risk of
constipation, can be exacerbated by chronic stress, which can cause digestive tract
inflammation.
When we are stressed or emotionally distressed, our brain
communicates with our gut and ENS system.
Gut health and bowel health can all be affected by stress, anxiety, and
depression. Your body uses sleep to truly unwind, rest, and repair itself. To
give your body enough time to rest and repair, you should try to get seven to
nine hours of sleep each night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you may
benefit from a homeopathic sleep supplement with ingredients that help calm the
mind and brain.
Another great tip for
staying properly hydrated? Carry a water
bottle to sip on water throughout the day easily.
Tips for Preventing
Constipation Include the following to support healthy digestion and prevent
constipation: Support healthy digestion and prevent constipation by
incorporating the following dietary and wellness habits daily:
Eat foods that are
fibrous: Every day, consume between 20 and 35 grams of fiber. Drink plenty of
fluids: Consume at least half your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water.
Stay active: Move
your body daily!
Magnesium: Include a
daily dose of magnesium citrate in your regimen. Do not ignore the urge to
vomit. Control and lessen your stress Get a good night’s rest: Aim for seven to
nine hours of sleep every night
Create a bowel
movement routine: A consistent morning routine gives your body the opportunity
for regular bowel movements. Give
yourself ample time to eliminate your bowels completely without feeling rushed
or stressed. Note: For complete treatment of severe digestive discomfort, see a
reputable digestive specialist.