Healthy Bowel Movements And Treatment Of Constipation

By | December 16, 2008

Relief From Constipation And Healthy Constipation Treatment

Hard bowels indicate the presence of constipation. Constipation is a condition, which is accompanied by infrequent, hard or scanty stools, with abdominal discomfort and pain. Typical symptoms of constipation are dry and small faeces, weight loss, difficulty in defecation, feeling of sluggishness and mood swings. Feeling of heaviness in the abdominal region and bloating are also seen. Irregular physical activity results in improper bowel activity, as it affects the contraction of the rectal muscles. Individuals, who are sick and are in bed for a prolonged period, are at great risk of constipation. Certain individuals experience constipation, due to idiopathic causes. Irrespective of a good diet and activity, constipation is seen to occur.  Lack of physical activity, medications, liquid diet and not visiting the toilet are certain common causative factors of constipation. Increasing age and muscle disorders also result in constipation.

Medications that result in constipation are calcium supplements, chiatric medications, antacids with aluminium, tranquilizers and painkillers. The various kinds of constipation are functional, occasional, age related, chronic, travel related, chronic idiopathic and pregnancy related constipation. Diagnosis of the cause helps to hasten the technique of treatment.

Foods To Ease Constipation And Severe Constipation Treatment

A good diet with regular activity and lifestyle modification are necessary to overcome the situation. A high fiber diet with lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, cereal, legumes and pulses proves beneficial. Fiber helps in the contraction of muscles, thereby facilitating easy bowel movement. Apple, guava and oat bran are good source of soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is abundant in whole grains, green leaves and so on. Prune and prune juice proves beneficial for constipation in children. Eating two apples, after getting out of bed, on an empty stomach is useful. Fruits such as orange, papaya, pears, guava and grapes provide the required roughage in the diet, thereby providing relief from the problem.
Avoid high fat foods. Go in for legumes and sprouts, as they provide fiber and help in easy bowel movement. An adequate intake of water helps to soften the stools. Drink at least eight to ten glasses. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, cocoa, tea and chocolate are not taken, as they have a dehydrating effect, thereby resulting in hard and dry stools.

Laxatives available in the market are avoidable and if needed best taken under the supervision of your physician. Psyllium husks are helpful. Lifestyle modifications include abstinence from alcoholic beverages and smoking. Certain postures of yoga, such as the dhanurasana (Upward Bow), wind releasing pose or pawan muktasana and thunderbolt pose or vajrasana prove beneficial for constipation.