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Your gut health can significantly improve with small, regular adjustments.
Constipation is a widespread intestinal problem that millions of people experience globally. Even though it’s a common problem, many of us don’t know the underlying causes or keep up bad practices that make it worse. You’re not the only one who has trouble with irregular bowel motions. Fortunately, you can make the required adjustments if you know what might be causing the issue. According to experts, here are some potential mistakes you may be making that is causing you chronic constipation.
What Is Chronic Constipation and Its Symptoms?
Chronic constipation is characterized by persistent difficulty passing stool that lasts for weeks or more. Symptoms like fewer bowel movements than usual, hard, dry, or lumpy stools, painful or difficult bowel movements, a feeling that the bowel isn’t empty, bloating, abdominal cramps, feeling sluggish, or headache can happen. It can impact everyday life and well-being by causing bloating, sluggishness, and stomach pain.
How To Avoid Chronic Constipation?
A minimum of 15 to 20 minutes of physical activity is necessary each day, along with a reduction in carbohydrate intake and an increase in fibre intake to battle chronic constipation, Dr. Gowthami N, Consultant Proctologist at Healing Hands Clinic, told HT Lifestyle.
One should also drink plenty of water and include at least 35 grams of vegetables in their diet.
She also suggested that medication is a possibility if lifestyle modifications prove ineffective. Gowthami N mentioned several sorts of laxatives that can help, such as those that increase the amount of water in stools or stimulants that reduce constipation. Constipation could be the result of a sedentary lifestyle, chronic sickness, or inadequate water intake. She also added that more education about dietary fibre is necessary, and since older patients’ metabolisms slow down, one must concentrate on boosting them.
Here are some other causes which could be your reason for chronic constipation.
Stress: Stress can affect your gut health badly. Try to manage your stress level by doing meditation, yoga, or any deep breathing exercises.
Irregular Sleep Pattern: Sleep pattern plays a vital role in your digestive system. Not getting proper sleep could lead to chronic constipation. Try to get a consistent sleep schedule to support your body.
Underlying Medical Condition: Constipation sometimes can be caused by any serious medical condition like IBS, hypothyroidism, or ulcer. Treating medical diseases can help you get relief from constipation.
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement: Delaying bowel movement can cause harder or drier stools and if done for days this will lead to chronic constipation. Always try to maintain a regular bathroom routine and not ignore the urge to go.
Although constipation can be annoying, it is frequently treatable with the correct strategy. Start by looking at your daily routine, including your exercise routine, stress management, and nutrition and hydration levels. Your gut health can significantly improve with small, regular adjustments. Listen to your body and, if things get worse, seek professional help as