subject: Constipation Causes and symptoms and Diet and Alternative Treatment to cure Constipation [print this page] Read more on Constipation Treatment and Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Herbal Supplements
Causes of Constipation and Gas:
The main causes of constipation and gas are:
1. Constipation and gas can be a side effect of a medicine.
2. Stress and anxiety can cause constipation and gas.
3. A change in diet or meal timings can lead to constipation and gas.
4. Consuming a diet that deficit in fiber can result in constipation and gas.
5. A bowel disorder can cause constipation and gas in an occasional person.
6. Dehydration resulting from insufficient intake of fluids and water can also cause constipation.
Symptoms of constipation:
1. Headache
2. Nausea, loss of appetite
3. Swelling, bloating or pain in the abdomen
4. Dry over firm stools that are hard and painful to pass
5. Feeling of sluggishness, lack of concentration
6. No bowel movement after3 days for adults or 4 days fro children
7. Feeling of fullness after having a bowel movement or of not being able to finish it
Tips to get rid of Constipation
There are various ways to prevent constipation and they include:
1. Add high fiber foods such as whole grain breads, bran cereal, dried fruit, raisins, fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet.
2. Drink plenty of liquids such as water, fruit juices, hot tea or lemon water to stimulate the bowels.
3. Ginger tea is an effective home remedy for constipation (for babies opt for homeopathic remedies instead of herbal ones).
4. Regular exercise such as walking or swimming everyday can help to both prevent and relieve constipation.
5. Avoid regular use of laxatives or enemas.
6. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, processed and junk food if you are suffering from constipation.
7. Stool softeners taken daily may also prevent constipation.
Home Remedies for Constipation
1. Changing the diet and the lifestyle is the main aspect to get relief from constipation. Inclusion of fiber rich foods like green vegetables, whole grains, cereals and pulses improves the bowel movements.
2. Fried and oily foods must be avoided strictly to reduce constipation problems.
3. Fruits like banana, oranges, grapes, melons and mango also help in dealing with constipation problems as they are juicy and rich in fiber.
4. Plenty of fluids are required to prevent dehydration and it also helps in the smooth bowel movement.
5. Exercising, walking helps in the complete digestion of food preventing acidity and heartburns (which also accompanies constipation) and evacuates the rectum completely.
6. Psyllium husks, plantain seeds if taken regularly relieves of constipation.
7. Papaya contains peptic acid and is a very good home remedy for good bowel movement.
8. Ginger tea is also very beneficial in treating constipation during pregnancy.
Constipation diet
The most important factor in curing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of unrefined foods such as wholegrain cereals, bran, honey, lentils, green and leafy vegetables, fresh and dry fruits, and milk products in the form of butter, clarified butter, and cream. The diet alone is not enough.
Food should be properly chewed. Hurried meals and meals at odd times should be avoided. Sugar and sugary foods should be strictly avoided. Foods which constipate are all products made of white flour, rice, bread, pulses, cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, fleshy foods, preserves, white sugar, and hard-boiled eggs.
Constipation Causes and symptoms and Diet and Alternative Treatment to cure Constipation