Living with chronic constipation is not easy. It will suppress your appetite as well as make you uncomfortable. The digestive system functions in a specific way. Regular bowel movements are necessary for your gut to perform its functions properly.
Usually people suffer from constipation due to their dietary choices. But there are multiple other factors that result in the absence of bowel movements. Passing less than three stools in a week is considered constipation. Other symptoms include, hard stone-like appearance of stool, loss of appetite, bloating, discomfort, abdominal pain, etc. If you are having any symptom related to constipation, consult the best gastroenterologist in Karachi.
Can I treat my Constipation at Home?
You can treat, manage, and prevent constipation at your home by merely changing your lifestyle. People who have good dietary fiber intake, drink more water and do more physical activity can easily prevent constipation. Some foods have high abilities to help you in combating your constipation. Let’s discuss some of them;
Water:
Your intestines absorb a lot of water along with food during digestion. Dehydration causes your stool to become hard. So, a balanced amount of water intake is recommended to avoid constipation.
Prunes:
Prune syrups are also manufactured by pharmaceutical companies and can be used for children and adults with the doctors’ recommendations.
Psyllium Husk:
Psyllium husk is a great food for your gut. It has a lot of healthy benefits for your stomach, intestines, and overall health. If you consume psyllium husk with warm milk or water, it acts as a strong laxative and eases your constipation.
The psyllium husk releases gelatinous mucilage while dissolving in water or warm milk. This mucilage is helpful in giving softness to your stool.
It is recommended to take psyllium husk after dinner with a lot of water for active bowel movements in the next morning.
Cabbage:
Although many vegetables are rich in fiber, but cabbage has a special glucosinolate besides fiber that makes it a more healthy option for relieving constipation.
The cabbage provides bulk to your stool and absorbs water with it, both factors are helpful in improving your bowel movements.
Oats:
Oats are another healthy option for your breakfast when you are struggling with constipation. The oatmeal is full of soluble fiber that means it dissolves in water and make a bulky mass. This helps in promoting the normal bowel movements and relieving constipation.
Whole Grain Pasta:
If you love eating pasta but are also struggling with your chronic constipation, you can try whole grain pasta for your dinner. The whole grain pasta is full of insoluble fiber that helps prevent constipation by passing through the gut absorbing more water with it. The laxative effect of this whole grain pasta makes it essential for your diet.
You can also add vegetables like cabbage, carrots, capsicum, etc. to make it healthier for your digestive system.
How to Deal with Chronic Constipation at Home?
Apart from dietary changes and addition, you can also try some OTC medicines like suppositories and enema. Rectal suppositories (glycerin suppositories) are effective for chronic constipation, especially in children. You can insert the suppository in the rectum, and wait for the bowel movement to start.
Lifestyle changes are also recommended by the health professionals, if you are dealing with chronic constipation. Look for the potential causes of your constipation and try to avoid them.
Stay Active:
Staying on your office seat for too long or lying on your bed all day, may lead to fewer bowel movements. That’s why health experts advise staying active and do regular exercise for normal digestive system. For relieving constipation, you can do yoga also to make your abdominal muscles more active.
Workout makes your metabolism fast, which increases your appetite and you to eat properly. As a result, you can have normal bowel movements daily.
Sleep Well:
Your sleep-wake cycle directly affects your digestive system. If you are sleep deprived, your appetite is badly affected by it. It is important to have good sleep at night, to maintain your gut health.
Get Massage:
If you are dealing with chronic constipation, you can have a warm oil massage on your abdomen. This will help in improving bowel movements. This trick is also good for managing constipation in infants.
Conclusion:
Constipation is not good for your overall health. It has a lot of health complications in the long run. You can manage your constipation by eating prunes, oats, cabbage, psyllium husk, drinking a lot of water, and staying active all day.
If you are looking for a doctor who can treat your chronic constipation, you can consult the best gastroenterologist in Faisalabad through marham.pk.