Constipation is a state of the digestive tract where somebody experiences tough gut movements that happen less frequent than usual. Everyone has undergone constipation at some time in their life, and they can attest it isn’t a very pleasant experience. Though it isn’t chronic, everybody would give anything to get their bowels back on course. The amount of time between bowel movements varies widely from one individual to another.
Useful Home Treatments for Constipation
Most folks have them three times in a day while others have them twice or even once! However going for over three days is enough to cause alarm. This is because food takes longer in the digestive tract that means the colon absorbs more water in the feces. This makes the stool hard and dry and for that reason hard and even very debilitating to get rid of.
Causes of Constipation
Aging
As we grow old, our metabolic rate slows down. This results at a reduced rate in body functions like digestion and so lead to constipation.
Some Drugs
Some of those drugs that cause constipation include:
- Diuretics.
- Antidepressants.
- Narcotic pain relievers.
- Antacids that contain aluminium.
Physical Inactivity
People who are physically inactive, by way of instance, those that are bedridden for many weeks, are more vulnerable to constipation. This is because physical activity helps us maintain a high metabolism, and thus body processes like digestion occur more rapidly.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
People who suffer with this condition suffer from constipation more often.
Not Enough Water or Fiber
This leads to greater absorption of water in the food that makes the stool hard. The result is constipation.
Fibers act as cleansers into the digestive tract. Diets that deficiency fibers lead to an unclean digestive tract. This, consequently, results in accumulation of food particles and wastes which block the passage and therefore lead to constipation.
Not Emptying Your Bowels when Needed
Ignoring that this crucial call of character means that the feces spends more time in the colon. As a consequence more water is consumed from it leaving it dry and hard.
The Remedies for Constipation
Water, Coffee, Raisins and Massages
Taking a cup of water after waking up is advised. Water helps in peristalsis and so helps prevent constipation.
Coffee is a great stimulant to your body. It functions by boosting metabolism through warmth and thereby speeding up your trips to the bathroom. Other hot drinks work equally well.
Other than being rich in fiber, raisins contain tartaric acid that helps loosen stools. Research shows that individuals who take raisins have their meals undergo their digestive track in half the time it takes people who do not. When should you call your physician? If you encounter sudden constipation that’s accompanied by stomach pains, cramping, or you’re unable to pass gas or stools, call your physician immediately.
Massaging the abdomen also helps in relieving constipation. It accomplishes that by stimulating intestinal muscles that are involved during bowel movements.
Lemon Water, Healthy Facts and Honey
Citric acid found in lemon juice helps stimulate the digestive tract and flush out harmful substances such as wastes. Taking a glass of fresh lemon juice each morning or adding lemon into your tea won’t only help treat and prevent constipation but also enable you to drink more water daily.
Oils from nuts, avocados and olive oil aid in regeneration of the digestive tract and thus alleviate constipation.
Honey is a natural laxative. Taking a cup of honey will help loosen stools and thus stop and even alleviate constipation.
Mint or Ginger Tea
Research has proven ginger and mint to be useful home remedies to digestive issues. Methanol which is contained in peppermint has an antispasmodic effect which will help relax the digestive system’s muscles and thus allow rapid movement of food. Ginger, on the other hand, helps the digestive tract create more heat thereby speeding up digestion through increased metabolism as heat increases the metabolic rate.
Using a Sitting Stool
Using a stool to sit on during defecation will help you adopt a squatting position that can help open up the colon longer and helps achieve a simpler and much more successful elimination of stools.
Add Fiber-Rich Foods to Your Diet
The primary function of fiber in our body is cleansing the digestive tract. They clean up the machine by scrubbing off food leftovers and waste particles and even soaking up the water, thereby preventing and treating constipation. Some of those foods include cereals, almonds, beans, barley, vegetables, and fresh fruits, among several others. You should also drink lots of water
