Constipation in adults: causes, symptoms, treatment

Constipation is one of the most common patient complaints. The situation is complicated not only by problems with bowel movements, but also by loss of appetite, fatigue, and irritability. After all, thoughts about when the body will require “cleansing” haunt us. The article discusses the main causes of constipation, its treatment and prevention.

Causes of constipation

A delicate situation can happen to any adult. Sometimes it is temporary, but it is worse when the problem becomes chronic.

Basically, constipation is caused by the following disorders:

• Poor nutrition is the main cause of bowel problems. In the modern diet, humans lack coarse fiber and plant fibers. These products are designed to stimulate the intestines and not cause disruption in the body. Low consumption of black bread, greens, cereals, vegetables and water leads to chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
• Taking medications. Before you start using medications, read the instructions.
• Negative impact on psychological state. In the modern world, it is impossible to do without fuss and nerves, especially in large cities. Stress, psycho-emotional stress, conflict situations, disturbances in sleep and rest patterns are common causes of constipation.
• Bad habits and lifestyle. An unfamiliar environment, a busy day, little sleep - all this can cause problems with morning bowel movements.

It is also necessary to note the list of diseases that provoke constipation:

• neurological diseases (spinal cord injuries, sclerosis);
• diseases of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland;
• disturbances in the intestinal blood vessels;
• inflammation in the intestine itself;
• obstruction due to polyps, neoplasms, etc.;
• anal fissures or hemorrhoids, etc.

Constipation symptoms

You should consult a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

• going to the toilet less than 3 times a week;
• feces look like dense balls (in other words, “sheep feces”);
• emptying occurs after long straining.

Feelings that accompany constipation:

• pain in the rectal area;
• bloating;
• feeling of incomplete emptying;
• feeling of a traffic jam after going to the toilet;
• mucus or liquid comes out with stool;
• there is blood on the toilet paper;
• body temperature is higher than normal.

If you have any of the symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

The harm of constipation

Chronic constipation can lead to the following serious consequences:

• hemorrhoids or anal fissures;
• development of putrefactive bacteria;
• intestinal inflammation;
• inguinal hernia;
• gastric dysfunction;
• poisoning or intoxication.

The occurrence of such diseases against the background of constipation can lead to a hospital ward. Therefore, before seeing a doctor, do a cleansing enema. You cannot tolerate or push too hard. Rectal prolapse leads to serious consequences that can only be eliminated through surgery.

Nutrition for constipation

Given such a delicate problem, power mode must be strictly observed.

Include in your diet:

• vegetables and fruits, baked, fresh or boiled;
• nuts and bran bread;
• legumes;
• broccoli;
• fermented milk products;
• lean meat and fish;
• dried fruits;
• compotes;
• coarse bakery products;
• drinking plenty of plain water;
• eggs.

It is recommended to exclude the following products:

• sweet sodas;
• coffee, cocoa and strong black tea;
• fatty fish and meats;
• cakes, pastries and other baked goods;
• spicy and smoked foods;
• pickles;
• cabbage and peas;
• blueberries, pomegranate and persimmon.

Chew your food thoroughly and slowly. Try to prepare one serving at a time. Try to eat at least 4-6 times a day in small portions.

Treatment of constipation

Basic methods of combating constipation:

• review of diet and nutrition;
• special physical activity;
• drawing up a daily routine;
• exclusion of stressful situations (if possible);
• medical or surgical treatment.

All recommendations can only be prescribed by a doctor. Solving the problem on your own can only make the situation worse.

Treatment of constipation with folk remedies

Before resorting to drug treatment, try folk remedies. All recipes consist of natural products, which often help solve the problem of constipation.

Folk methods in the fight against constipation:

• Train yourself to drink a glass of boiled water after waking up. Such a shower helps the body start the digestive system and properly turn on the gastrointestinal tract.
• For breakfast, eat boiled beets, fresh fruits or vegetables. They have a laxative effect and improve the functioning of the digestive system.
• Eat bran every day. Just soak them in boiling water, let it brew and strain through cheesecloth. Divide the remaining crumb into three equal parts and take with meals.
• Prune compote with the addition of buckthorn bark and rosehip extract will make the intestines strong and help regulate daily bowel movements.
• A plant such as senna has a good laxative effect. But it is not advisable to get carried away with the infusion. This can weaken the intestinal walls and return them to their previous state will be problematic. Therefore, it is recommended to use senna only occasionally and as prescribed by a doctor.
• At night, drink a glass of fresh kefir or fermented baked milk. Kefir older than two days can cause hardening of stools.
• Flax seeds are rich in fiber. They relieve inflammation of the stomach and intestines, gently enveloping the walls of the esophagus with their mucus.

Try these simple methods that were tested by our ancestors. This treatment is gentle cleanses the body of toxins with benefits for the whole body.

Preventing constipation

A good way to prevent constipation is physical activity.

Give your body a workout every hour. Walk around the room, squat, bend back and forth. Such simple exercises will not take much time, and will also help improve bowel function.

If you do not suffer from constipation, but just want to avoid encountering this problem:

• eat baked apples once a week;
• consume fermented milk products daily;
• arrange fasting days;
• try to move more;
• go out into nature and relieve nervous tension.

Harmony with your body is the key to a healthy future!