Constipation

Constipation is the one of the commonest gastrointestinalsymptoms suffered by human being. This condition is truly universal and seen inall age groups, sex, socio-economic classes and races. Constipation impliesinfrequent and incomplete evacuation of hard dried faces. Wrong eating habits,sedentary lifestyle and sluggish intestine are the main reason forconstipation. If the bowel is not cleared well it can lead to lot of problemssuch as mood disturbances, headache, flatulence, coated tongue, foul breath andlack of appetite. These symptoms disappear after clear evacuation. A diet thatis low in fruits, vegetables and wholegrain has made constipation a commonproblem.

Fiber and starch are fermented in the large bowel andprovided the bulk that helps to stimulate the muscles of colon so that digestedfood can be pushed through the muscles the gut. The longer the digested foodresidue remains in the bowel the more water is reabsorbed from it, the harderit gets and the more difficult to pass. In chronic constipation strainingduring evacuation may lead to fissure, piles, prolapsed of rectum or hernia.This again aggravates constipation. It is dangerous for a patient with coronaryheart disease to stain during defecation. Worry, anxiety and fatigue are otherfactors, which affect adversely the normal rhythm of evacuation. So, it isalways it a practice to answer nature’s call in the morning.

Diet:

This generally involve increasing fiber and fluid intake anddecreasing the use of constipating agents such as milk products, coffee, teaand alcohol. The calories are recommended according to age, sex, and physicalactivity. For this fat is advised 60-80gm per day because fats stimulate theflow of bile and also lubricate the lower bowel. A diet rich in the form ofvegetables and fruits, which are rich in unabsorbable cellulose and unrefinedcereals, which contains bran, should be taken. Bran is useful for some patientsbut excess are to be avoided since it may act as an irritant to sensitive intestinaltracts.

Leafy vegetables like cabbage, spinach, carrots, and radishare also good for regular bowel habit. Fresh fruits are of great value in overcoming this condition since it contains roughage in the form of cellulose.Bananas, dried fruits like figs, raisins, dates, apricots are very useful. Liberalintake of fluids about 10-12 glasses of water per day is advisable. Warm waterwith lime and honey or weak tea on the empty stomach early morning very helpful.

Exercise: Exercise isan important factor in the management fo constipation. Regular exerciseespecially for the abdominal muscles or brisk walking is recommended accordingto the age and physical stage of the individual.

Points to beremember:

-Fiber increases the bulk and help in intestinal motility.Eat lots of high fiber foods.

-Fats stimulate the flow of bile and also lubricate the lowerbowel.

-A diet rich in bulk in the form of vegetables and fruits.Avoid refined foods.

-Bananas, dried fruits like raisins, dates, apricot are usefull.

-Liberal intake of fluids of about 10-12 glasses of water perday.

-Practice regular bowel habit.