By Dr. Surya Bhagwati
Chief In- House Doctor
BAMS, DHA, DHHCM, DHBTC | 30+ Years of Experience
Recognizing Constipation Symptoms And How To Manage Digestive Discomfort
Isn’t being constipated annoying and uncomfortable? It is a common digestive problem, affecting all age groups. You will feel bloated and have abdominal ache also, sometimes. Learn about constipation symptoms, its causes and various treatments to relieve the discomfort caused in the digestive tract.
Symptoms Of Constipation
Wonder what are the symptoms of constipation? Well, are some common constipation symptoms, such as:
- Infrequent bowel movement: If a person does not pass at least three bowel movements a week, he is usually constipated.
- Straining during bowel movement: While having a bowel movement is going on, straining or feeling that one has to be forceful to pass stool could also be a result of constipation.
- Hard or lumpy stools: In most cases, hard or lumpy stools are passed by those with constipation as the entire process may be painful and hard to remove.
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation: Even after you have passed out, you still feel the urge to defecate, but you can’t pass any stool out.
- Abdominal pain: Bloating, cramping, and fullness often find their place in the stomach due to constipation.
- Pain and discomfort in the rectum: Straining to pass stool may be a causative agent for discomfort in the rectum or anus and may lead to hemorrhoids.
Causes Of Constipation
One of the most important initial steps toward the right course of treatment is to understand what causes constipation. The most common causes include the following:
- Low-fiber diet: High levels of fiber in food help increase the size of stools and make their passage easier. Diets low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are bound to lead to constipation.
- Dehydration: Dehydration makes the stools dry and quite difficult to pass through. Hydration is essential in ensuring the bowel movement is soft and regular.
- Sedentary lifestyle: A life void of frequent physical exercises can stretch the period for digesting food substances, which may also precipitate constipation. Exercise helps stimulate the digestive tract's natural movement.
- Ignoring the urge to go: When you delay your bowel movements when you have the urge to do so, you precipitate constipation eventually.
- Medications: Some medications, including painkillers and antidepressants, can cause constipation.
- Pregnancy: Changes in the hormonal composition that females undergo during pregnancy alter the digestion process, resulting in a high prevalence of constipation among women.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can result in an increased risk, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, and hypothyroidism.
Relief And Treatment For Constipation
If you experience constipation, there are some remedies to comfort and get back on the way with your digestive system. Some of the best remedies you can try are:
- Increased fiber intake: Increasing fiber will facilitate the softening of stool, thus easy elimination and bowel movements. Some of the best sources of fiber include fruits like apples, pears, prunes, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. The intake must be between 25-30 grams.
- Stay hydrated: At times, staying hydrated is simple. Ensure you take a minimum of 8 glasses of water in a day. You can complement this with herbal teas or natural juices.
- Regular exercise: Exercise activates the intestine to allow stool to pass through the digestive tract. Walking, jogging, yoga, or any form of exercise can help reduce constipation.
- Maintain a routine: Developing a bowel movement schedule, possibly after eating, can help train your body. The body will understand when it’s time to go. Remain calm and composed.
- Try over-the-counter medication: Use over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners if lifestyle modifications do not help. Though ineffective in the long term, these may provide short-term relief. Their use must, however, always be made in consultation with the doctor because prolonged intake could lead to dependence on the medicine.
- Ayurvedic treatment: Ayurveda takes treatment for constipation as a practice to maintain doshas in the body to get better digestion. For treatment of constipation, triphala is a kind of herb which is made up of three different fruits. It can help maintain regular bowel movements and improve constipation symptoms.
Conclusion
Constipation is the most frustrating, especially when it’s at its worst, but with some helpful lifestyle interventions and treatments, constipation can certainly be quite manageable. From increasing your fiber intake to staying hydrated and getting in regular exercise, there are plenty of easy steps you can take to keep your digestion in check and prevent constipation. If you have a persistent or severe case, consult a doctor for immediate treatment.
FAQs
How do I get rid of constipation fast?
To get rid of constipation quickly, drink a full glass of water, increase your intake of high-fiber foods such as prunes or whole grains, and try to do some light exercise. If all the above-mentioned measures do not work, use an over-the-counter stool softener or laxative to alleviate constipation, but be sure to visit a doctor in case symptoms remain longer.
What makes constipation go away?
Constipation can be relieved through a fiber-rich diet, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in regular exercise. Natural remedies like Triphala or herbal supplements can also help develop bathroom habits once in a while.
How to clear constipation quickly?
Staying hydrated, eating high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and by practising light exercise like yoga can help eliminate constipation. In case the stool is too hard to pass, use a natural laxative or stool softener.
Where is constipation pain located?
It is located in the lower abdomen. Most individuals with constipation complain of this intense pain, which is accompanied by bloating or cramping. In some individuals, constipation can even cause aching or pressure in the rectal area due to straining for bowel movements.
If you already suffer from constipation or simply wish to stay healthy with natural digestive aids, then take Dr Vaidya’s ayurvedic remedies for treating constipation that help ease difficulties in digestion and discomfort. You can get your hands on Piles Care Juice, Constipation Relief Tablets and Constipation Care Effervescent. These natural blends contain Ajwain and Haritaki, which help in smooth bowel movement and reduce bloating or gas. It’s time to feel good with the help of Ayurveda!
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
BAMS (Ayurveda), DHA (Hospital Admin), DHHCM (Health Management), DHBTC (Herbal Beauty and Cosmetology)
Dr. Surya Bhagwati is an established, well-known Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of experience in treating and consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She is known for the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. The patients under her care receive a unique holistic treatment comprising not only medicinal treatment but also spiritual empowerment.