What is Constipation Part 1

• Constipation is a common problem that can affect anyone of any age. When a person, has to struggle to pass stools, or has hard stool, more frequently in a short period of time, this condition is called constipation.

What are the Signs of Constipation?

1. Have passed stool for less than 3 times a week
2. Struggle and pain while passing stool
3. Passing hard, dry and clumpy stools
4. Feeling like you haven't completely emptied passed stool
5. Pain and discomfort in stomach

What are the Causes of Constipation?

1. Diet: Having food full of fibers like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, add bulk to your stool and makes it easier to pass.

2. Hydration: when you don't drink enough water, your body absorbs more water from your stool and makes it harder and more difficult to pass.

3. Exercise: Regular exercise can help move the muscles in your intestines smoothly. But when you don't workout it slows down the intestinal movement and hence bowel movements leading to constipation.

4. Medicines: Certain types of medicines such as painkillers, antacids, or medicine used to treat blood pressure, can slow the intestinal movement and leading to constipation.

5. Age: The muscles in your digestive tract starts to work slowly with the growing age, leading to slow bowel movements and constipation.

6. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the levels of hormones like progesterone increases and this relaxes the muscles of the intestine leading to slower intestinal movement. Also the growing uterus puts extra pressure on the intestine, which further contributes to constipation.

7. Other conditions: some medical conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), thyroid disorders, diabetes, etc can affect the functioning of digestive system leading to constipation.

Tips to Prevent Constipation:

- Include high fibre content foods in your diet like: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Go for a walk or exercise daily.

Source:-
1. Arslan, G. G., & Eşer, İ. (2011). An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 17(1), 58-62.

2. Alookaran J, Tripp J. Castor Oil. [Updated 2022 Nov 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551626/

3. Costilla, V. C., & Foxx-Orenstein, A. E. (2014). Constipation in adults: diagnosis and management. Current treatment options in gastroenterology, 12, 310-321.

Disclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.

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