Constipation requires attention, otherwise, the patient will feel uncomfortable and their daily activities will be affected.
Constipation is a common problem, and it’s important to become more informed about it. Suffering from it means you have difficulty and may experience occasional bloating or cramping, and face passing hard stools at least three times a week. Normal bowel movements vary widely, from three times a day to three times a week.
Dr. Alejandro Illescas, a specialist in gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy, states that in Guatemala, women suffer more frequently from chronic functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, while gastroesophageal reflux disease is more common in men. Furthermore, an increased incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is observed in both sexes; these conditions are attributed to various lifestyle-related causes, such as poor eating habits, obesity, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Some people may be suffering from many of these symptoms for a long time, without knowing they have a digestive system disease.
Like fever, constipation is a symptom, not a disease. It can occur due to multiple factors that slow the passage of food through the large intestine. These factors include inadequate fluid intake, a poor diet, irregular bowel habits, age, lack of physical activity, pregnancy, and other conditions. Some medications can also cause constipation.
What tests are needed to diagnose constipation?
Victor Chedid, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic, says that constipation and irritable bowel syndrome are common reasons for patient consultations. “In cases of constipation, sometimes additional evaluations are required, such as an abdominal CT scan, blood and physical tests, or even a colonoscopy to better understand what’s happening,” he comments.
Constipation can be extremely uncomfortable. If it persists, it can lead to complications such as hemorrhoids and cracks or tears in the anus called fissures.
Contact your doctor if constipation is severe or lasts more than three weeks. In rare cases, this problem can be a sign of more serious medical conditions such as cancer, hormonal disorders, heart disease, or kidney failure.
Occasionally, depending on the patient, surgery may be necessary to correct damage or irregularities in the tissues or nerves of the colon or rectum. Surgery is usually only performed when other treatments for chronic constipation have not worked.
In addition to medically prescribed treatment, constipation can be treated with a balanced diet and a healthier lifestyle. Common measures to help with bowel habits, such as laxatives and enemas, should be avoided.
Be careful with the use of laxatives
Regular or excessive use of laxatives can be harmful and worsen constipation. Overuse of these medications can cause the body to eliminate vitamins and other necessary nutrients before they are absorbed. This process disrupts the body’s normal balance of salts and nutrients.
When taken frequently, it can lead to lazy bowel syndrome, a disorder in which the intestines don’t function properly because they’ve begun to rely on the laxative to stimulate elimination. As a result, the condition may worsen when you stop using laxatives.
What to do for better intestinal health?
Chedid shares four pillars of gut health that people can follow to help keep their gut healthy and inflammatory diseases at bay.
Nutrition : Try to eat a well-balanced Mediterranean-style diet, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, oilseeds, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. There are natural ways to relieve the symptoms of constipation, such as eating more fruits, vegetables, fiber, and grains. Recommended foods include coffee, bananas and apples, flaxseed, green leafy vegetables, chamomile, and yogurt, among others.
Prunes, also known as dried plums, have long been used to treat or prevent constipation. These fruits are a good source of fiber, but they also contain natural agents that aid digestion.
Exercise /Healthy Lifestyle: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine. The type of exercise can vary from person to person. Exercise makes us feel energized, maintains cardiovascular health, and makes bowel movements more regular, which is beneficial when suffering from constipation.
Mental health : It’s important to maintain your mental health and well-being, given the many interactions between the gut and the brain. For example, those who have experienced childhood trauma or other life stressors may experience gastrointestinal symptoms or conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, pelvic floor dysfunction, or constipation.
· Water: Drink two liters of water a day. This helps prevent constipation and ensures your organs are well nourished.
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