Some people suffer from the painful moment when defecating due to the hardness of the feces. Long-lasting constipation has complications such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, bowel incontinence, and fecal impaction which majorly arrives from the dry and hard fecal waste. Mostly, constipation can be treated.
Causes of constipation include the following:
Having a diet with less or no roughage likely contributes to constipation and alternatively, such a diet with fiber helps in fastening bowel movement and reduce constipation.
High fiber foods include vegetables (carrots and potatoes), fruits (bananas and apples) and cereals (oats and barley), and wholemeal bread.
Fiber is important for digestive health – insoluble fiber bulks up stools and makes a waste move through the digestive tract more quickly, which is better for the gut and can help to prevent constipation. Make maximum use of fiber diet.
Being inactive for some time also affects how frequently a person suffers from constipation because physical activity enhances active metabolism and general bodily activities.
In this context, physical activity doesn’t necessarily mean doing exercise or workouts but remaining active; walking, or jogging.
Certain foods such as dairy products facilitate constipation, for instance, milk. This is not true for everyone. Be keen to observe the foods that will constipate you and reduce its intake.
Pregnant women also have higher chances of suffering from constipation. This could be explained in terms of hormonal changes – estrogen and progesterone, uterus pressing the intestine and less physical activity. Importantly, not all pregnant women go through constipation.
Medications cause constipation. Commonly, most drugs have side effects and this is not an exception. Such drugs include but not limited to antidepressants, narcotics, iron pills, painkillers, antacids, anticonvulsants. Update your doctor for the side effect and probably a change of medication works best.
Old people are likely to constipate due to poor physical activity and slow metabolism. As the person ages, numerous activities lessen. Engaging in activities like increasing mobility will help.
Diverting from the normal daily routine such as changes in diet and activities can also have an impact on the digestive system and consequently lead to constipation.
Less water in the body may at some point be able to cause constipation since the water in the food is being absorbed.
Regular water consumption is healthy in different common ways and additionally, hydrating the body will reduce the risk associated with constipation. Drink plenty of water daily.
Diseases and disorders that largely affect the digestive system are likely to cause constipation – as this will affect the bowel movement and pressing of the intestine.
Such diseases could be diabetes, Hypocalcaemia, Parkinson’s disease, and scleroderma. Colon cancer and rectal cancer could also cause the condition.
Some habits such as resisting the burning urge of going to the toilet due to an unfavorable environment or other personal factors such as a busy schedule may cause constipation.
You could be traveling or avoid going to the toilet, and with time, the urges diminish causing constipation at some point. Go to the toilet anytime you feel the urge to do so.
Remedies for Constipation and Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
For constipation;
~> Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily.
~> Don't drink caffeine.
~> Eat fiber-rich foods, such as fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, and whole-grain cereals and pieces of bread.
~> Try mild physical activity.
Tell your doctor if constipation does not go away.
For Hemorrhoids;
• Drink lots of fluids.
• Eat fiber-rich foods, like whole grains, raw or cooked leafy green vegetables, and fruits.
• Try not to strain with bowel movements.
• Talk to your doctor about using products such as witch hazel to soothe hemorrhoids.
When to Call Your Doctor
Constipation can often be treated at home, but chronic constipation that interferes with quality of life warrants a visit to the doctor.
Speak with your doctor if:
- You have a fever, rectal bleeding or recent weight loss.
- Your symptoms interfere with sleep.
- You are frequently constipated and have a family history of bowel disease.
- You can feel a lump or mass in your abdomen or rectum.
- You are over 50 years old and chronic constipation is a new problem for you.
- You have severe abdominal pain and vomiting.
- You are not passing gas.