CONSTIPATION: WAYS TO UNBLOCK THE BLOCK

WHAT IS CONSTIPATION?

Being constipated means your bowel movements are tough or happen less often than normal. Almost everyone goes through it sooner or later.

Although it’s not usually serious, you'll feel much better when your body is back on track. The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them only once or twice a week.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

Almost everyone is familiar with the signs: abdominal bloating; straining; lumpy, hard stools. But most of us don’t know how frequently we should be ‘going.’ According to experts, you shouldn’t be worried if you go only every other day and your husband or sister goes twice a day; both patterns are fine.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES?

Constipation is often caused by lifestyle factors such as not eating enough fibre, not drinking enough fluids and not exercising regularly, as well as mental health issues such as stress, depression and anxiety. Genetics are also thought to play a role, albeit a minor one. As well, certain medications can cause constipation. Drugs that may slow down your bowels are antidepressants, antipsychotics, certain antihypertensive, anti-Parkinson’s medications and, most commonly, opioids such as morphine. Supplements such as calcium and iron can also cause constipation.

HOW TO RELIEVE CONSTIPATION?

Some of the ways to unblock constipation are:

• Eat More Fibre: It is recommended you have 25 to 50 grams of fibre a day. Foods with lots of fibre include cereals such as wheat germ and bran, whole-wheat and rye flours, grainy breads, fresh fruit (especially berries), dried fruits such as figs, vegetables, and legumes such as chickpeas, lentils and beans. Increase fibre intake gradually to avoid getting gas or diarrhoea, or worsening constipation.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity stimulates your intestinal muscles to work more efficiently. It also decreases the amount of time needed for food to move through your intestines, so stools stay moist.
• Drink Lots of Water: Water lubricates the intestines and also moistens the food you eat, aiding its flow through your body.
• Lose the Stress: When the brain is under stress, the bowel is, too. People who are stressed are less likely to exercise and eat nutritious foods.
• Stick with a Regular Routine: Bowel movements occur according to the body’s internal ‘clock.’ When you ignore the urge to go to the bathroom, there’s more time for water to be extracted from the stools into the body, making them harder to pass.
• USE LAXATIVES: Most laxative products are safe to use, as long as you follow package directions. At-home enemas can be used in cases of acute constipation. Suppositories may also help, but they only clear out the end of the colon. Ask your pharmacist which laxative is best for you.

WHY KIMS?

KIMS, one of the best gastroenterology hospitals in Hyderabad, uses a combination of education, behaviour management and medical interventions that are tailored for constipation remedies, constipation treatment, and constipation cure. Our multidisciplinary team, with the best constipation treatment specialist in Hyderabad, specialize in treating chronic constipation.