Constipation: your guts are giving you a silent treatment

"Been having toilet troubles lately? Do you go to the bathroom daily in the morning hoping for a clear bowel, only to come out uncomfortable and unsatisfied? Has your gut been giving you the silent treatment for quite some time now?"

Guess its time to give your gut some attention. You could be suffering from chronic constipation.

What is constipation?

Constipation is an often ignored condition, as it is one of the icky and embarrassing topics that people prefer to avoid than attend to.

Constipation is hard stools or difficulty in passing stools. One may find it hard to pass stools or have to put strain while passing stools (often accompanied by pain and gas formation). There is severe bloating in the abdomen with discomfort and colicky pain at times.

People often relate constipation to the frequency of stools. Though they are partially right, passing of hard pellet-like stools although frequent is still classified as constipation.

Why does it occur?

Constipation occurs when waste or stool moves very slowly through the digestive tract and the rectum is not able to expel it out effectively. This, in turn, causes accumulation of stool in the rectum and thus it becomes hard and dry.

Chronic constipation can occur as a result of a variety of reasons ranging from a fissure in the rectum (tear in anal skin), intestinal obstruction, narrowing of the colon to colon and rectal cancers.

It can also occur due to neurological problems affecting the nerves of the colon or rectum, conditions causing hormonal imbalances in the body like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, or conditions that affect the pelvic muscles that control the relaxation and contraction of the intestines for effective expulsion of the stool.

Constipation can also occur as a result of faulty dietary habits, overuse of certain medications like laxatives, side-effects of prolonged use of certain medications like anti-hypertensives and anti-diabetics.

Also Read: What helps you poop when you are constipated?

Can it be treated?

Constipation though not a life-threatening condition can be an indication of some serious underlying condition and hence it shouldn’t be ignored.

If left untreated, constipation can lead to some severe complications like hemorrhoids, anal fissure, rectal prolapse, and fecal impaction (accumulation of stools in the intestine).

Treatment of constipation involves improving diet and lifestyle. Having more fibre in food, with frequent small meals help improve bowel movements. Avoiding processed foods also help control constipation. While these things can help to control constipation to a great extent, at times it doesn’t go away without medical intervention.

While conventional treatments like laxatives can provide temporary relief and become addictive when taken for a prolonged period, alternative therapies like homeopathy can help treat constipation effectively and that too without any side-effects.

Homeopathic medications help go to the root of the problem and treat the cause effectively. Medications like nux vomica, alumina, silicea when given as indicated can treat constipation effectively. These medications need to be taken under supervision. Do not self-medicate as they may have grave consequences.

"So in case your gut's silent treatment is troubling you, it's time you speak to your doctor!

Why not try homeopathy this time?"