Expert Guide to Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, and Natural Remedies

Constipation is a common digestive issue that affects many people at some point in their lives. It can be uncomfortable and can impact your daily routine. If you're experiencing constipation, you may be wondering what is causing it and how to make it go away. In this expert guide, we'll take a closer look at the symptoms of constipation, the most common causes, and natural remedies that may help.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a condition where a person has difficulty passing stools or has infrequent bowel movements. It is a common digestive complaint and can be caused by a variety of factors, including a low-fiber diet, dehydration, and certain medications.

How do you make constipation go away?

There are several ways to alleviate constipation:

• Increase your intake of water and high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Engage in regular physical activity, which can help stimulate bowel movements.
• Consider over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners, but use them only as a last resort and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

How can I stop constipation naturally?

Some natural ways to stop constipation include:

• Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Eating a diet high in fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercising regularly to promote bowel regularity.
• Taking natural supplements such as probiotics, magnesium and herbal teas.

Is Banana good for constipation?

Yes, bananas can be helpful for constipation because they contain high amounts of dietary fiber, which can help to promote regular bowel movements. However, it is important to note that bananas should be consumed in moderation as they also contain a high amount of sugar.

What is causing constipation?

Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• A low-fiber diet
• Dehydration
• Certain medications
• Lack of physical activity
• Certain medical conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism and diabetes.
• Certain lifestyle factors such as stress and lack of sleep

Should I keep eating if constipated?

Yes, it is important to continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet even if you are constipated. Eating a diet high in fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to promote regular bowel movements and alleviate constipation. However, it is important to listen to your body and avoid foods that may make your symptoms worse.

What foods make you poop?

Foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help to promote regular bowel movements and make you poop. Additionally, foods that are high in water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberries, can also help to promote bowel regularity. Other foods that can help to stimulate bowel movements include prunes and flaxseeds.

Will constipation go away on its own?

In some cases, constipation may go away on its own. However, if constipation persists for more than a few days, it is important to seek medical attention. Long-term constipation can lead to complications such as fecal impaction and rectal prolapse, and it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. It is always better to address the issue of constipation in a timely manner.

What are serious signs of constipation?

Serious signs of constipation may include:

• Inability to pass stools for more than a few days
• Fecal impaction, which is when a hard mass of stool becomes stuck in the rectum and cannot be passed
• Rectal prolapse, which is when the rectum turns inside out and protrudes from the anus
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
• Vomiting

What causes constipation in adults?

Constipation in adults can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• A low-fiber diet
• Dehydration
• Certain medications
• Lack of physical activity
• Certain medical conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism and diabetes.
• Certain lifestyle factors such as stress and lack of sleep

How long is too constipated?

Generally, if you have not had a bowel movement for three days or more and you are experiencing discomfort or difficulty passing stools, you may be considered constipated. However, it is important to note that everyone's bowel habits are different and what may be considered constipation for one person may not be for another. If you are concerned about your bowel movements, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional.

Are bananas good for constipation?

Yes, bananas can be helpful for constipation because they contain high amounts of dietary fiber, which can help to promote regular bowel movements. However, it is important to note that bananas should be consumed in moderation as they also contain a high amount of sugar.

Is Yogurt good for constipation?

Yes, yogurt can be good for constipation. Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut. These bacteria can help improve the balance of the gut microbiome and promote regular bowel movements. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that probiotics, such as those found in yogurt, can help alleviate constipation in adults (1). It is important to choose a yogurt that contains live and active cultures for best results.

Can stress cause constipation?

Yes, stress can cause constipation. Stress can cause changes in the gut, such as slowing down the movement of food through the digestive system. This can lead to constipation. Stress can also cause changes in bowel habits, such as holding in bowel movements, which can also contribute to constipation. A study in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that stress can cause changes in the gut that can lead to constipation (2).

When should I be worried about constipation?

You should be worried about constipation if it becomes chronic, and you're experiencing symptoms for an extended period of time, or if it's accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or weight loss. If your constipation is chronic and not resolving with self-care measures, it is important to seek medical attention. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends that if you have constipation for more than three weeks, it is important to see a healthcare provider (3).

What are the 4 types of constipation?

The four types of constipation are:

• Normal transit constipation: This type of constipation is caused by a slow movement of food through the digestive system.
• Colonic inertia: This type of constipation is caused by a lack of muscle contractions in the colon.
• Outlet dysfunction: This type of constipation is caused by problems with the rectum and anus, making it difficult to pass stools.
• Neurogenic constipation: This type of constipation is caused by problems with the nerve supply to the colon and rectum.

 

What are 3 symptoms of constipation?

The three main symptoms of constipation are:

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Difficulty passing stools
• Hard, dry stools

What exercises help constipation?

Exercise is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and can help alleviate constipation. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can increase the muscle contractions in the colon and rectum, which can help to move waste through the digestive system more efficiently. Here are a few exercises that can help to relieve constipation:

• Walking: A simple and easy form of exercise, walking can help to stimulate the muscles in the intestines and rectum, making it easier for waste to pass through.
• Yoga: Yoga poses such as the seated forward bend, the wind-relieving pose, and the bridge pose can help to stimulate the muscles in the rectum and intestines, making it easier for waste to pass through.
• Swimming: Swimming is a great form of aerobic exercise that can help to stimulate the muscles in the intestines and rectum, making it easier for waste to pass through.

It is important to note that while exercise can help to relieve constipation, it is not a replacement for other treatments such as dietary changes or medications. If you are experiencing chronic constipation, it is best to consult with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.

References:

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Constipation. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation
• American College of Gastroenterology. (2019). Constipation in Adults: Evaluation and Management. Retrieved from https://gi.org/guideline/constipation-in-adults-evaluation-and-management/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Constipation. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/digestive-diseases/constipation.html
• American Academy of Family Physicians. (2019). Constipation. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0315/p378.html Harvard Health Publishing. (2019).
• Constipation: When to see a doctor. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/constipation-when-to-see-a-doctor