Constipation in adults: causes, symptoms, treatment
Constipation is one of the most common patient complaints. The situation is complicated not only by problems with defecation, but also by loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability. After all, thoughts do not give rest about when the body will require "cleansing". The article discusses the main causes of constipation, its treatment and prevention.
Content
Causes of constipation
A delicate situation can happen to any adult. It is sometimes temporary, but worse when the problem becomes chronic.
Basically, constipation is caused by the following disorders:
- Improper diet is the main cause of stool problems. In the modern diet, a person lacks coarse fiber and plant fibers. These products are designed to stimulate the intestines and prevent malfunctioning in the body. Low consumption of black bread, herbs, cereals, vegetables and water leads to chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
- Taking medicines. Read the annotation before using the drugs.
- Negative impact on the psychological state. In the modern world, one cannot do without fuss and nerves, especially in large metropolitan areas. Stress psycho-emotional stress, conflict situations, disturbances in sleep and rest are common reasons for constipation.
- Bad habits and lifestyle. Unfamiliar surroundings, a busy day, little sleep can all cause problems with morning stools.
It is also necessary to note the list of diseases that provoke constipation:
- neurological diseases (spinal cord injury, sclerosis);
- diseases of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland;
- disturbances in the blood vessels of the intestines;
- inflammation in the intestines itself;
- obstruction due to polyps, neoplasms, etc.;
- anal fissures or hemorrhoids, etc.
Constipation symptoms
It is necessary to 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 a 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 feces;
- there is blood on the toilet paper;
- body temperature is higher than normal.
If you have any of the symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
Constipation harm
Chronic constipation can lead to the following serious consequences:
- hemorrhoids or anal fissures;
- the development of putrefactive bacteria;
- intestinal inflammation;
- inguinal hernia;
- dysfunction of the stomach;
- poisoning or intoxication.
The occurrence of such diseases against the background of constipation can lead to a hospital ward. Therefore, before the doctor's appointment, do a cleansing enema. You cannot tolerate or push hard. The prolapse of the rectum leads to serious consequences, which are eliminated only by an operable way.
Nutrition for constipation
With such a delicate problem, diet must be strictly observed.
Include in your diet:
- vegetables and fruits baked, fresh or boiled;
- nuts and bran bread;
- legumes;
- broccoli;
- dairy products;
- lean meat and fish;
- dried fruits;
- compotes;
- coarse baked goods;
- drinking plenty of plain water;
- eggs.
It is recommended to exclude the following foods:
- sweet soda;
- coffee, cocoa and strong black tea;
- fatty fish and meat;
- cakes, pastries and other baked goods;
- spicy and smoked food;
- pickles;
- cabbage and peas;
- blueberries, pomegranate and persimmons.
Chew food thoroughly and slowly. Try to cook portions at a time. Try to eat at least 4-6 times a day in small portions.
Constipation treatment
The main methods of dealing with constipation:
- revision of the diet and diet;
- special physical activity;
- drawing up a daily routine;
- elimination of stressful situations (if possible);
- therapeutic 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 medication, try folk remedies. All recipes are made from natural products that often help solve the problem of constipation.
Traditional 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 work of the digestive tract.
- Eat boiled beets, fresh fruits or vegetables for breakfast. 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 to establish daily bowel movements.
- A plant like senna has a good laxative effect. But it is not advisable to get carried away with the infusion. This can weaken the walls of the intestines and return them to their previous state will be problematic. Therefore, it is recommended to use senna only occasionally and as directed by a doctor.
- Drink a glass of fresh kefir or fermented baked milk at night. Kefir older than two days can cause hardening of the stool.
- Flax seeds are rich in fiber. They relieve inflammation of the stomach and intestines, gently envelop the walls of the esophagus with their mucus.
Try such simple methods that were tested by our ancestors. Such treatment is gentle cleanses the body of toxins for the benefit of the whole body.
Prevention of constipation
A good prevention of constipation is physical activity.
Give the body a load every hour. Walk around the room, squat, bend back and forth. Such simple exercises will not take much time, and will also help to improve bowel function.
If you do not suffer from constipation, but only want to avoid collisions with this problem:
- Eat baked apples once a week;
- consume fermented milk products daily;
- arrange fasting days;
- try to move more;
- go to nature and relieve nervous tension.
Harmony with your body is the key to a healthy future!