Constipation refers to a condition where an individual experiences infrequent bowel movements or has difficulty in passing stool. The normal frequency of bowl movement can vary from 3 times a day or 3 times a week. If an individual is passing hard or lumpy stools less than 3 times a week you are probably constipated. It is always accompanied with bloating, nausea and cramping in the lower abdomen.
Types of constipation: There are mainly two types of constipation.
- Acute constipation
When there is sudden onset of infrequent bowl movement, which persists for a short duration it can be called acute constipation. This could have happened due to numerous reasons like change in diet, medication, travel, hormonal changes, infections etc.
- Chronic constipation
When there is infrequent bowl movement with hard and lumpy stools, difficulty in passing stools for more than 3 months it can be called chronic constipation. This could have happened due to medications, hormonal changes, low fiber diet, lifestyle factors etc.
What an individual can do:
There are various was to treat a mild bout of constipation and prevent it from recurring.
- Drink at least 8 glass of water everyday. Avoid coffee, tea and cola which can make you dehydrated.
- Try to exercise nearly 30 minutes everyday like cycling, brisk walking, swimming, running as these physical activities helps to stimulate bowl movement.
- Try to make a regular bowl routine. Go to toilet when there is urge don’t wait and give adequate time for bowl movement.
- One should follow a proper diet with high fiber and avoiding processed foods.
- Never skip breakfast, lot of drink with breakfast helps in bowl movement.
- Increase your fiber intake gradually by adding vegetables, fruits, nuts, to your diet, muesli, wholemeal bread. Some foods such as prunes and figs which have natural laxative properties.
When to consult a healthcare professional
When the constipation has lasted more than two weeks and the individual is experiencing:
- Blood in the stool.
- Losing weight from unknown cause.
- Lower back pain.
- Constant abdominal pain.
- Feel bloated all the time.
It is highly recommended that individual should visit the healthcare professional to seek his advice. He can identify any underlying issues and provide best treatment options.