Constipation: natural and non-natural remedies to combat this disorder
Constipation, commonly known as constipation, is a widespread disorder of the gastrointestinal system. It mainly affects women over 65, but it is also very frequent during pregnancy and beyond. In fact, more than 10 million Italians would suffer from it.
Constipation sufferers have difficulty defecating and cannot go to the bathroom at least 3 times a week (it is wrong to believe that it is essential to go there every day). The causes can be different and it is important to understand them in order to then be able to solve the problem and find the right remedy and ways to prevent it. Because of course there are special laxative drugs, but often it is enough to correct one's diet and lifestyle.
Let's find out together what are the symptoms and causes of constipation and the best natural and non-natural remedies to fight or prevent this annoying disorder.
Causes and symptoms of chronic constipation
The causes of constipation can be many and vary from wrong eating habits to psychological conditions, from more or less serious pathologies to congenital anomalies, from a state of pregnancy to the intake of drugs.
One of the most common causes is a low-fiber, high-fat diet. The fibers, in fact, are substances that the organism does not digest and help to promote intestinal transit and the formation of feces. Equally widespread is the lack of fluids: drinking a lot helps to make the feces present in the colon more fluid and soft, making it easier expulsion.
The cause of constipation can also be the lack of physical activity, which is known to favor bowel movement, or the intake of certain drugs (among all: painkillers, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants and antispasmodics).
It is very common to suffer from constipation during pregnancy or, in general, when hormonal changes occur. Again: it can happen to suffer from it while traveling due to dietary changes or your routine. Ignoring the urge to go to the toilet and holding stool also causes constipation in the long run.
In the most serious cases, there may be various pathologies that cause chronic constipation: neurological disorders, metabolic and endocrine pathologies, systemic pathologies. Irritable bowel syndrome also causes intestinal mobility problems.
The main symptoms of constipation are, beyond the observation of a lack of spontaneous urge to defecate, the presence of small, hard, dry and difficult to eliminate stools, but also pains when going to the bathroom, a feeling of swelling and effort .
Natural remedies for constipation: what to eat to go to the bathroom and foods to avoid
As we have previously pointed out, to fight constipation in a natural way you have to start with the diet, and even before with proper hydration. Drinking plenty of water is essential to promote intestinal transit and soften the stool. You should consume at least 2 liters of water a day: if you are not used to drinking so much, always carry a bottle of water with you and get used to sipping it even if you are not thirsty.
It is also possible to choose a water that can help with these problems in a natural and immediate way: the Essential Source water. It is low in sodium and rich in sulphates and magnesium, it also helps us to purify the liver and stimulate the intestine, improving the processes of digestion and regulating intestinal motility.
In fact, Fonte Essenziale water stimulates the production of bile, purifying the liver and lightening the workload of the intestine. It is no coincidence that one of the most important benefits of this water is precisely that of feeling lighter and fight heaviness and sluggish intestine. Not only that, Fonte Essenziale also helps to stimulate diuresis, thus helping to counteract water retention and the annoying sense of swelling.
To see the effects, it is advisable to drink two glasses every morning on an empty stomach, preferably at room temperature and for at least 15 days. However, it is a good behavioral habit to always adopt because it helps us to keep ourselves healthy.
This water is also indicated for pregnant women, who often find themselves living with constipation problems. In this delicate phase of female life, the "Fonte Essenziale" water allows the intestine to be restarted, promoting intestinal motility and a general relaxation of the abdominal muscles.
Furthermore, the high concentration of calcium it enjoys makes it an ideal water also for children: it is in fact particularly indicated in these cases, because it promotes better development of the bones during growth.
As for the actual diet, it is essential to have the right amount of fiber. Where to find them? Especially in fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and their derivatives, dried fruit. Thanks to the fibers, your stools will be more voluminous and compact, easy to expel. Nutritionists recommend consuming at least a daily portion between 18 and 32 gr. The most recommended foods? Barley, oats, bran, rye, vegetables, plums, dry leafy vegetables, legumes in quantity. For the foods to avoid in case of constipation, instead, browse our album:
See Also: Constipation: Foods to Avoid When You Have an Irregular Bowel
Other natural remedies for chronic constipation
Regular physical activity is essential to combat the problem of constipation. Movement is very important to regulate intestinal activity. Half an hour of running or brisk walking a day would be enough. If you don't have time to go to the gym, try some home exercises like these that we recommend:
Often to cause constipation there can also be psychological reasons that lead to holding back. In this case, relaxing natural remedies such as, for example, Bach flowers, or aromatherapy may be useful: try to massage drops of mint essential oil on the abdominal area (natural anti-inflammatory, excellent for colon syndrome irritable), chamomile (natural relaxant), or basil, capable of rebalancing the intestinal flora.
Even the practice of yoga can be useful in case of constipation, promoting digestion, abdominal toning and blood flow.
Laxative drugs: remedies to combat constipation and contraindications
The use of laxatives if you suffer from more severe forms of constipation must be prescribed by a doctor and always limited to a short period. There are different types on the market and can be in liquid, tablet, powder or granule form.
When used long-term, laxatives can be counterproductive and lead to more serious problems, as well as being addictive.For this reason it is always advisable to follow the advice of a specialist in this regard and not to resort to it in case of milder constipation, easily treatable with natural remedies, including a daily intake of 2 glasses of Fonte Essenziale water, every morning on an empty stomach. for at least 15 days, associated with a healthy diet and some precautions regarding one's lifestyle.
