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Ailments>Constipation |
Constipation |
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| What is it? |
| It is the difficulty in passage of stools or
infrequent passage of stools. Frequency of passage of stools differs from person to
person. Usual intervals range from three times a day to three times a week. Most people
usually have a regular routine and bowels usually function best if they are allowed to
follow a consistent pattern. back to top |
| Who is affected? |
| It is more common in children and elderly people. It
is also more common in females than in males. A low fibre diet is a risk factor. back to top |
| What are the
causes? |
- Low fibres diet and low fluids intake is the most common cause
- Drinking too much alcohol and drinks containing caffeine.
- Little exercise and long periods of immobility in your lifestyle.
- Depression may lead to constipation
- Hypothyroidism (under production of thyroid hormones)
- People recovering from abdominal surgery and those with anal disorders such as
Hemorrhoids / Piles (swollen veins inside the rectum and around the anus) or a tear in the
anal canal may find it painful to defecate and therefore develop constipation
- Certain drugs like antidepressants may cause constipation.
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| What can I do? |
- Increase your daily fibre intake. Fibre rich foods include leafy vegetables, fruits like
mango, citrus fruits, beans, etc
- Reduce your intake of highly refined and processed foods, such as cheese and white
bread.
- Increase your daily food intake
- Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine
- Do not use stimulant laxative persistently because the colon may eventually be unable to
function without them
- Do not ignore the urge to defecate. The longer the faeces remains in the colon, the
harder it gets.
- Try to achieve a regular routine in which you go to toilet at the same time of the day
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