Relief from Constipation

Constipation occurs when bowel movements take place less than thrice a week. When constipation occurs, the stools become dry, hard and are difficult to expel from the rectum. Straining and pain may also occur while passing stools. Some people also experience bloating and the feeling that the bowels are full. Constipation is not an illness in itself, but rather a symptom. It occurs commonly and most individuals experience it at some time in their lives. Most cases of constipation are not permanent or serious.

What Cause Constipation?

When food passes through the colon, water is absorbed and stools are formed. The contractions of the colon muscles push the stools in the direction of the rectum. When the stools reach the rectum, they are solidified since the water is mostly absorbed by then. Constipation takes place when an excess amount of water is absorbed by the colon or when the contractions of the colon muscles are too slow, leading to slow movement of the stools. This results in dryness and hardening of the stools. Constipation may be caused by various factors. Usually an insufficient intake of fiber through the diet is the cause. Lack of adequate physical activity, intake of certain medications, excessive consumption of milk, dehydration and certain medical conditions may also be responsible. Irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, ageing and excessive use of laxatives are some of the other causes of constipation.

How to Prevent Constipation?

A drink of warm water to which lemon juice has been added is known to be effective in alleviating constipation. A pinch of salt may also be added to the water. Consuming two apples a day is another remedy that is believed to aid in treating constipation. Regular consumption of papaya in the mornings is effective in preventing constipation. A fruit salad consisting of papaya and guava may be eaten daily to add roughage, thereby preventing constipation. Dry grapes are known to have natural laxative properties and may be eaten to get relief from constipation. The grapes may be soaked in water overnight and eaten the next morning. Another well known remedy for constipation is flax seeds. A tablespoon of flax seeds may be added to water and allowed to soak for a couple of hours. This may be consumed at night before going to bed. Dry figs can also be soaked in water for a night and then eaten early morning. Oranges are known to be beneficial in cleaning out the bowels and may be consumed daily.