Constipation: Leading factors and remedies
Constipation: Leading factors and remedies
It has been observed the prevalence of constipation rises with age, more often seen in the elderly 65 years and above. Constipation is difficulty passing stool or incomplete passage of stool is identified as a problem.
Factors that lead to constipation problems
- Low intake of water
- Use of mediations such as antacids which contain antidepressants, tranquillisers, sedatives, etc.
- Not enough fibre in the diet
- Abusive use of laxatives
- Disease conditions as neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, metabolic and endocrine disorders, chronic kidney diseases.
Home remedies
- Eating freshly cooked food is helpful and adding spices like cumin seeds, coriander, turmeric powder, fennel and asafoetida is good as it makes the food easily digestive.
- Including plenty of leafy vegetables and salad leaves.
- Drinking warm milk at the time of going to bed mixed with a tsp of ghee or some chopped dates added to it.
- Lemon juice with water helps clean the colon.
- Have Triphala powder or tablets with milk or water before going to bed.
Why fibre helps the most?
Fibre comes in a soluble and insoluble form. The soluble can dissolve in water and create a soft gel, whereas insoluble fibre retains most of the structure and both the fibre work together in increasing the bulk of the stool and helps pass through the rectum. Fibre is naturally present in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Only the variance in composition of soluble and insoluble fibre varies among them.
- Soluble sources — back beans, avocados, figs, pears flaxseeds oats, sunflower seeds
- Insoluble fibre — rich bran, wheat bran
Other Lifestyle Changes
- Regular exercise, necessary to form a habit of evacuating early morning.
- It is important to have a relaxed mind, clear of anxiety and stress, etc.
- Perform yoga poses which can help ease bowel movement.
To conclude, constipation can lead to other complications and affect colon health. Therefore, it is important to maintain your diet and make a few changes in your lifestyle to eliminate constipation.
REFERENCES
- Dov Gandell MDCM.(2013).Treatment of constipation in older people.Canadian Medical Association or its licensors.185(8).663-670