Constipation

Investigating the causes and home remedies for constipation

Constipation is a problem that most of us have experienced in life. According to studies, if you have less than 3 bowel movements during the week, it means that you are constipated. This condition appears with symptoms such as dry stool, feeling of not emptying the bowels, bloating, cramping or stomach pain, and difficult stool excretion. In some cases, this complication is not dangerous, and sometimes it may indicate a disease. In this article, we intend to examine the causes and home remedies for constipation.

Table of Contents

• Why do we get constipated?
• life style
• medicines
• Medical conditions
• Treatment of constipation at home
• Lemon juice
• olive oil
• Water
• warm drinks
• Fruits
• Probiotics
• beans
• Herbal medicines to relieve constipation
• Fennel
• Senate leaves
• Linseed
• Nettle
• Ginger
• Final word

Causes of Constipation

 

Constipation can occur for various reasons. Here are some common causes:

Lifestyle:

Low-fiber diet: Not consuming enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to constipation.

Dehydration: Drinking insufficient water can harden stool and make it difficult to pass.

Inactivity: Lack of exercise reduces muscle movement in the digestive system, slowing down stool passage.

Travel: Changes in routine and diet while traveling can disrupt bowel movements.

Dietary choices: Excessive dairy products like milk or cheese can contribute to constipation in some people.

Medications:

Certain medications can cause constipation as a side effect, including:

Strong painkillers: Oxycodone and hydromorphone

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen and naproxen

Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like triptyline

Antacids: Calcium or aluminum-containing antacids and iron tablets

Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Blood pressure medications: Verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, and atenolol

Psychiatric medications: Clozapine and olanzapine

Anticonvulsant drugs: Phenytoin and gabapentin

Anti-nausea drugs: Ondansetron

Medical Conditions:

Constipation can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as:

Endocrine diseases: Hypothyroidism, diabetes, uremia, and hypercalcemia

Colon cancer

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Diverticulitis

Fecal impaction

Neurological disorders: Spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke

Lazy bowel syndrome

Gastrointestinal problems: Fistula, colon atresia, volvulus, intussusception, imperforate anus

Amyloidosis

Lupus

Scleroderma

Pregnancy

Home Remedies for Constipation

Here are some natural approaches you can try at home to manage constipation:

Lemon water: Mix half a lemon’s juice with a glass of water and drink it before or after sleep. Use a straw to avoid damaging your teeth with the acidity.

Olive oil: Taking a teaspoon of olive oil on an empty stomach in the morning can help soften stool and ease its passage.

Hydration: Drink eight to twelve glasses of water daily to keep your stool soft and prevent constipation.

Warm liquids: Drinking warm coffee, tea, or plain water can stimulate your digestive system and promote bowel movements.

Fruits: Fruits like apples, pears, kiwis, and plums are rich in fiber, water, and beneficial compounds that aid digestion and relieve constipation. Both raw fruits and dried plums (prunes) or their juice can be effective.

Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, and other probiotic-rich foods contain beneficial bacteria that improve gut health and can help regulate bowel movements.

Beans: Legumes like lentils, beans, and peas are good sources of fiber, which helps soften stool and promote bowel regularity.

Disclaimer:

While these home remedies may provide relief, consult a doctor if constipation persists, worsens, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like rectal bleeding or weight loss.

Herbal Remedies for Constipation (Consult Doctor Before Use)

While some herbs may offer relief for constipation, it’s important to consult your doctor before using them, as they can interact with medications or have side effects. Here’s a look at some commonly used herbal remedies:

Fennel:

A natural laxative, fennel seeds can help ease constipation. Steep roasted fennel seeds in hot water to make a tea.

Senna Leaves (Short-Term Use Only):

• Senna leaves are a stimulant laxative that can be effective for short-term relief of constipation. However, long-term use can lead to dependence and worsen constipation. Consult your doctor before using senna leaves and follow dosage instructions carefully.
• To prepare senna tea, steep one teaspoon of leaves in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. Drink it once a day, up to three times a week.

Flaxseed (Linseed):

• Flaxseed is a good source of fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and soften stool. Grind or crush flaxseeds and add them to water to make a tea. Let it steep for a few minutes before drinking. Consume at least three times a week for optimal results.

Nettle Leaf:

• Nettle leaf tea may also help relieve constipation. Boil a cup of water and add a tablespoon of fresh nettle leaves. Steep for a few minutes, then strain and drink. It’s recommended to drink this tea two to three times a week on an empty stomach, but avoid eating immediately after.

Ginger:

• Ginger can help alleviate symptoms like cramping, bloating, and nausea that often accompany constipation.

These herbal remedies are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If constipation persists, worsens, or is accompanied by severe symptoms, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

Final Word

 

Lifestyle changes like a high-fiber diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration are often the first line of defense against constipation. If these don’t provide relief, consult a doctor to explore underlying causes and treatment options.

Share Your Experience (Optional):

Have you experienced constipation? What methods have you found helpful? Share your tips in the comments to help others!