Published 29-09-2021
CONSTIPATION
We all know how it feels when we are constipated! Life seems still, and nothing seems to move, and even after coming out of the washroom, you still want to go back! If this is disturbing you, you are at the right place. Read through this article till the end to know what might be causing this trouble and what can you do to avoid or end this!
Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements. It is a general term used to describe fewer bowel movements, solidified hard stools, painful passing of stool, bloating abdominal discomfort, or incomplete elimination. This Is a common cause of painful bowel movements. This could be even more severe if you are not able to expel stool at all!
This is a very common gastrointestinal disorder experienced by most people during their lifetime and the reasons could be numerous conditions that can interrupt the normal absorption process, stool formation, and motion of faeces within the large intestine.
In a nationwide Gut Health Survey conducted by Abbott, it was observed that 22% of the adult Indian population undergoes the condition, with 13% complaining about serious Constipation. Among them, 6% of the Indian population suffer from Constipation correlated with certain comorbidities.
Constipation is a condition resembling Vibandha described in Ayurveda. Vibandha or Badhapurisha means obstruction, i.e. Sanga, which indicates one of the states of Srotodushti (Vitiation of body channels), especially in Purishavaha Srotas (Faecal Channels). Apana Vayu is a form of Vata that regulates downward movement and thus regulates the excretion of faeces. Imbalance in the Apana Vayu can change the colon and affect the working of its muscles, causing Constipation.
Constipation may be the result of many gastrointestinal and other medical disorders. It is a disease caused by nutrient deficiency (Apatarpanjanya Roga), and one of the complications of immediate haemostasis is Raktarsha (bleeding haemorrhoids).
Causes of Constipation
Constipation may occur from eating foods that are tough to digest or as a side effect of using certain medications. In addition, some people endure Constipation when they travel or are away from their homes and the usual comfort. Since this is infrequent, these incidents are not a serious problem. However, when Constipation occurs regularly, it is a cause for concern.
The most common causes of Constipation include:
Symptoms of Constipation
Constipation occurs when the large intestine absorbs too much water from the stool, resulting in passing dry and hard stools. It may also be due to inadequate contraction of the intestinal walls to expel the stool and waste products.
It leads to the symptoms like:
Dietary Changes
The most important aspect of paying attention to is your diet.
The following diet suggestions are recommended in Ayurveda:
Lifestyle Changes
Along with the dietary modifications, you need to consider some lifestyle changes to ensure effective results.
The following are recommended lifestyle modifications:
Some particular Ayurvedic herbs can assist in flushing out waste from the colon and large intestines. Take these laxatives with plenty of water to moisten the bowels and facilitate the passage of dry stools. Here are four proven remedies that you can take for the long term if needed:
1. Triphala
Triphala is the best Ayurvedic medicine for constipation and gas. It is both a tonic and a laxative. Generally, Triphala is taken after getting up and before going to bed. However, this should not be taken if you have acidity issues.
Brew ½ to 1 teaspoon in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, or you can take 2 capsules with warm water.
2. Psyllium (Isabgol)
They are highly absorbent seed coats that help relieve Constipation and make bowel movements smooth.
For effective results, regularly take 1 to 2 teaspoons in a glass of juice or warm water preferably before going to bed.
3. Flaxseeds (Linseed, Alsi)
Flaxseeds are rich in soluble fibre and bind the water inside the body to maintain a soft bowel movement and treat digestion. They are highly nutritious and do not cause any side effects.
Use 1 tablespoon of this laxative, two to three times a day, with 2 cups of water.
4. Dandelion Root (Singhparni)
Dandelion roots stimulate the liver to produce bile juice and help release Constipation.
Boil 1 teaspoonful of this mild laxative in water and drink it three or four times a day. Dandelion root has an acquired taste, so you can take 3 to 4 tablets daily with a cup of warm water instead.
Here are some home remedies to help relieve Constipation:
1. Avipattikar Churna- Avipattikar Churna holds the goodness of carminative, antioxidant, and even anti-inflammatory properties that aid in curing imbalances related to pitta dosha. It helps handle digestive difficulties, including diarrhoea, constipation, gastritis, heartburn, indigestion, and ulcers.
Dosage- 1 tsp with lukewarm water, empty stomach
2. Abhyaristha- Abhayarishta increases peristaltic movements of the intestine and helps in bowel movement. It is a laxative and provides excellent relief in piles, fistula, and fissures.
Dosage- 2 tsp twice a day
Also Read: Switch to herbal and Ayurvedic formulations to Manage IBS
To conclude, if Constipation is well looked after and is treated according to its root cause, it can be managed and treated. Vibandha or Constipation is independently a disease and a complication of some diseases and should be handled according to the type of Kosta (Alimentary canal). One can have plenty of fluid, physical exercise, and many more laxatives like Anuloman (Carminative substance) and Bhedan (Emollient Laxative), etc., in the diet according to the state of Dosha and Kostha to improve the condition. Find more such lifestyle tips and Ayurvedic products at HealthyBazar.
To fix all your constipation worries, you can consult with Dr Ajay Kumar an Ayurvedic practitioner and Panchakarma Specialist in treating chronic issues and treating lifestyle disease.