Bowel Problems Constipation

Constipation is a disturbance in the normal rhythm of bowel movements, characterized by bowel movements less than 3 times a week, as well as difficult and/or incomplete bowel movements.

Causes of constipation:

1. Poor nutrition - lack of fiber and fluid in the diet
2. Sedentary lifestyle
3. Disturbances in diet and rhythm
4. Psycho-emotional factors - stress, depression
5. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
6. Side effects of certain medications
7. Endocrine diseases
8. Pregnancy

Constipation symptoms:

1. Rare bowel movements (less than 3 times a week)
2. Hard stool
3. Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
4. Painful bowel movement
5. Bloating, pain
6. Nausea, vomiting (in severe forms)

Complications of chronic constipation:

1. Haemorrhoids
2. Cracks and tears in the anus
3. Formation of fecal stones in the intestines
4. Inflammatory diseases of the colon

Treatment of constipation:

1. Changing your diet and eating habits:

1. Increase dietary fiber intake - vegetables, fruits, grains
2. Drink at least 1.5-2 liters of fluid per day
3. Eat regularly, don’t skip meals
4. Avoid fast food and processed foods

2. Physical activity - daily walks, light exercise

3. Regularize bowel movements at the same time

4. Taking laxatives as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Abdominal massage, contrast baths.

6. Herbal medicine - decoction of senna, buckthorn, rhubarb.

7. If ineffective, visit a gastroenterologist and rule out organic causes of constipation.

Prevention of constipation consists of maintaining a proper diet, sufficient fiber intake, regular physical activity and timely treatment of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.