What Helps with Constipation?

Constipation is a condition that can affect people of all ages for various reasons. If it lasts for a long time and is severe, it can negatively affect the quality of life of the person. For this reason, bad living habits should be corrected and constipation solutions should be found promptly. So what is this situation? What helps constipation?

What is Constipation?

“What is constipation?” For those who are wondering, the question can be answered as the slowing of bowel movements in humans for various reasons and frequency of defecation 3 or less times per week. Constipation leads to conditions that negatively affect the quality of life, such as difficulty in defecation, pain and swelling, inability to fully remove stool. This condition, which is common among intestinal disorders, is sometimes occlusive and sometimes due to slowed bowel movements. However, the toilet habits of individuals always differ. For this reason, it is important for individuals to know their own bowel movements well in order to diagnose constipation.

What Are the Symptoms of Constipation?

Constipation symptoms are different for each individual. However, common symptoms are:

• Decreased bowel movements
• Feeling that the bowels are not completely emptied
• Frequency of defecation less than three times a week
• Difficulty or pain during defecation
• Abdominal swelling and pain
•  Hard and/or small pieces of stool

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation occurs when the large intestine over-absorbs the intestinal contents. As a result of this situation, the stool dries up and it is very difficult to expel.

What are the Causes of Constipation?

Constipation can be caused due to many reasons. One of the most important reasons is that the person leads a sedentary life and does not consume enough fluids. When these risk factors are eliminated, the intestines begin to act as in their normal cycle. The main factors causing this situation are as follows:

• Excessive consumption of milk and dairy products
• Intestinal narrowing
• Long-term use of certain drugs
• Change in diet
• Prolonged retention and delay of stool
• Pregnancy
• A sedentary life
• Colon cancer
• Fiber malnutrition
• Neurological problems such as MS
• Menstruation
• Digestive system problems
• Stress
• Sitting for long periods of time
• Old age
• Eating disorders
• Insufficient water consumption

Diseases and Conditions that Cause Constipation

It is also important to know the cause of constipation when looking for a solution. Conditions which may present with constipation include pregnancy, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, narrowing and blockage of the colon, MS, Parkinson's, digestive system problems, thyroid problems and eating disorders.

Constipating Foods

Constipating foods should also be well known and these foods should be consumed in moderation. Fast food, excessive caffeine consumption, excessive consumption of red meat, bananas and rice are among these foods.

What Should Be Done to Relieve Constipation?

“How to relieve constipation?” Another wondered subject. The first thing to do is to increase fluid intake instead of taking constipation medicine. In addition, it is important to consume more fruits and vegetables. Consuming warm water in the morning, taking care to consume an average of 8 glasses of water per day, consuming fruits that increase bowel movements such as apricots and plums, reducing the consumption of carbohydrates and dairy products, preferring foods rich in fiber, choosing wholewheat bread, walking are among the beneficial points. By following these methods, a home remedy for constipation can be constructed within 3-7 days. However, this period may take several weeks in some cases.

What Should Be Done to Prevent Constipation?

Constipation can be prevented by making minor changes in the lifestyle and diet. Medications should be considered if the condition does not go away. Before starting medication treatment, increasing fluid intake, decreasing alcohol and caffeine consumption should be tried. In addition, healthy toilet habits should be adopted.

What is Good for Constipation in Children?

Constipation is a common problem among children. The child should be encouraged to consume goat's milk instead of cow's milk. In addition, children should consume whole wheat bread, prefer kefir, yoghurt and yoghurt soup, add pulpy vegetables to their nutrition program, and ensure that they get plenty of exercise.

What is good for constipation in babies?

Constipation in babies is also among the topics of interest. To relieve constipation in the baby, the baby should be bathed in warm water. The baby should be sitting in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Glycerin can be applied to the baby's bottom so that they can defecate easily. If there is constipation in a baby older than 4 months, pear, plum, peach and apple juice should be given with their meals.

What is good for constipation during pregnancy?

Constipation is an important problem in pregnant women. During this period, the toilet routine of the person can also change with the changes in hormones. So, what is good for constipation during pregnancy? During this period, plenty of fruits and vegetables should be consumed. Consuming frequent and small meals method should be applied. Unsweetened compote should be prepared from dried fruits. Oatmeal, wheat bran and grain foods should be consumed. Red fruit should be consumed. Walking and exercise should not be neglected.

In Which Situations Should I Visit The Doctor?

If the constipation lasts for a long time, this can cause serious problems. For this reason, the process should be followed from the moment the signs of constipation are observed. Above mentioned methods can be tried, however, a doctor should be consulted if the measures taken are insufficient and constipation persists. Medical attention should be sought swiftly if there is blood in the stool, if there is abdominal pain and if there is weight loss. The doctor can intervene with constipation medications.