Health Read

CONSTIPATION

What is it ?

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Mostly constipation is temporary & not serious.

Types

  • Atonic constipation: – also called lazy bowl syndrome. Mainly seen in sedentary & older people.
  • Spastic constipation:- caused by increase in the muscle tone which narrows the cavity and movement of feces is retarded.
  • Obstructive constipation:- It is due to the obstruction of the large bowel or malignancy of the colon e.g.: cancer of colon.

Symptoms

        • General malaise
        • Headache
        • Coated tongue
        • Foul breath
        • Lack of appetite

Causes

      • Poor personal hygiene.
      • Irregular intake of meals.
      • Emotional disturbances like tension, depression, anxiety or excitement.
      • Lack of exercise.
      • Painful fissures or haemorrhoids.
      • Diseases like colon cancer.

Treatment/Dietary management

  • Develop a regular habit of evacuation.
  • Consume high fibre diet & ensure adequate intake of fluids.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • High water content (10-12 glasses) or water with lemon in the morning also helps in evacuation.
  • Leafy vegetables like cabbage, spinach, carrots & radish are also good for regular bowel movements.
  • Bananas, dried fruits like prunes, figs, raisins, dates, apricots are very useful.
  • B vitamin & potassium in the form of brewer’s yeast & vegetable soup, oral potassium salts (Kala namak) & juices help to prevent the constipation.