Constipation can be quite depressing. The results of the modern lifestyle such as tension, stress, insomnia, diabetes & cancer are some of the many reasons for constipation. Knowing the right reason for constipation and treating it accordingly can bring much-needed relief to the problem.
What is Constipation?
The food we eat should get digested and excrete from the system within 16 to 24 hours. Colon should push waste to the rectum and it needs to be expelled out of the body. For some reason, if the waste is not excreted completely due to the disturbance with excretion, drying up of poop or any other reason, we call this condition as constipation.
What are the reasons
- In the present lifestyle, many of us do think pooping is a nuisance. Controlling the poop when the body needs to excrete it.
- Bad food habits or not consuming fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and greens.
- Not drinking enough water.
- Drinking soft drinks and alcohol.
- Stress, tension, and other mental problems.
- Developing a habit of drinking tea or coffee before pooping.
Is pooping more than once a day a problem?
No. It changes from person to person, the number of times a person poops varies with his food habits and place. It’s absolutely normal to poop once, twice, or even three times a day. It also varies depending upon the level of wastes produced by the body. Not pooping even once a day needs to be attended. In western countries Not pooping for a couple of days is absolutely normal, it’s their lifestyle.
What is the reason for prolonged constipation? What needs to be done about it?
Our food needs to be rich in fiber content. Water intake should match with our fiber intake. Not doing so will lead to poop getting dry and thin. Due to this reason, it becomes hard to expel the poop.
Also, when the solid and liquid foods we intake reaches the colon, crossing intestines, it becomes semi-solid, it’s the place where the body absorbs water. When a person doesn’t drink enough water, the colon absorbs moisture content from wastes, leading to dry poop, hence constipation.
Postponing to poop due to various works is one of the main reasons for this problem. Longer the poop stays in the colon, more water is absorbed from it. As the time passes by, it gets harder and solidifies.
So it’s really essential to intake right amount of fiber and water in our daily diet.
Is there a link between diabetes and constipation?
Yes, People suffering from diabetes have a very high probability for constipation. Healthy nerves are must for the proper functioning of our intestines and digestive system. Nerves tend to be weak for people suffering from prolonged diabetes. This is termed as autonomic neuropathy.
Is it true prolonged constipation leads to cancer?
It’s not true that prolonged constipation leads to cancer, on the other hand, one of the reasons for it could be cancer.
Is there a link between medicines and constipation? What kind of medicines cause it?
Some medicines do have links to it. Antacid medicines that contain aluminum and calcium, iron tablets, medicines used for psychological problems can cause constipation.
How to identify?
Constipation happens in the colon. First, it’s necessary to identify if there are any problems with the colon or if it occurs due to the wrong diet. Colonoscopy helps us to identify problems with the colon.
Does Exercising Help?
Exercise is really essential for people who sit and work for a long durations. Constipation is a common problem for people leading unhealthy sedentary lifestyle. So it’s vital that these people exercise for at least an hour every day.
What is the right treatment?
Medicines could only bring a temporary solution. Leading a healthy lifestyle is vital. Drinking enough water and eating the right foods is essential. On most occasions our meals have less amount of vegetables and fruits, instead, we eat larger quantities of rice or wheat. Eating large quantities of fruits and vegetables is a must. Trying out home remedies or treating constipation yourself can be dangerous. Taking in tablets for loose motion or diarrhea without doctors prescription could damage sensory nerves in the colon.
What are the foods that need to consume by people with constipation?
Banana, Banana flower, radish, cabbage, carrot, beetroot, beans, cucumber, lady’s finger, greens, foods rich in fiber content can be consumed. Vegetables and fruits rich in water content be consumed as well.