Constipation

constipation 

 

A very common disturbance within the digestive tract, it restricts regular bowel movement. Since improper stool produces toxins (ama) which find their way into the blood stream and are then carried to all parts of the body, in chronic cases this problem can give way to serious diseases as rheumatism, arthritis, piles, high blood pressure and even cancer.

Symptoms

  1. Infrequency, irregularity or difficulty in eliminating hard faucal matter
  2. Coated tongue
  3. Foul breath
  4. Loss of appetite
  5. Headaches
  6. Dizziness
  7. Dark circles under the eye
  8. Depression
  9. Nausea
  10. Pimples
  11. Mouth ulcers
  12. Diarrhoea alternating with constipation
  13. Varicose veins
  14. Pain in the lumbar region
  15. Acidity
  16. Heart burn
  17. Insomnia

Root Causes

  1. Improper diet & irregular eating habits
  2. Insufficient intake of water and high fibre food.
  3. Excessive intake of animal protein
  4. Irritable colon
  5. Spastic colitis
  6. Emotional disturbances
  7. Lack of physical activity
  8. Paralytic or mechanical obstruction to the passage of stools.

 

Diet

  1. Avoid white flour, rice,bread,pulses,cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, white sugar & hard-boiled eggs.
  2. Take the following unrefined foods:
    Wholegrain Cereals : Wheat
    Green Vegetables : Spinach, brocculi
    Fruits : Bael, pear, Guava, Grapes, Orange, Papaya & Figs
    Dairy : Milk, Clarified butter, Cream

 

What causes constipation?

It's often difficult to identify the cause. However, there are a number of things that increase the risk of constipation, including:

  1. not eating enough fibre, such as fruit, vegetables and cereals
  2. a change in your routine or lifestyle, such as a change in your eating habits
  3. ignoring the urge to pass stools
  4. side effects of certain medication
  5. not drinking enough fluids
  6. anxiety or depression

 

Treating constipation

An oral laxative (medication to help you empty your bowels) is usually prescribed to treat constipation.

Treatment for constipation is effective, although in some cases it can take several months before a regular bowel pattern is re-established.

 

Preventing constipation

Making diet and lifestyle changes, such as eating high-fibre foods, drinking plenty of fluids and regularly exercising will help to prevent or ease your constipation.

It may also help to give yourself enough time and privacy to pass stools comfortably and never ignore the urge to go to the toilet.

 

Who is affected?

Constipation can occur in babies, children and adults, and affects twice as many women as men.

Older people are five times more likely than younger adults to have constipation, usually because of diet, lack of exercise, use of medication and poor bowel habits.

Approximately 40% of pregnant women experience constipation during their pregnancy.