Constipation is highly disruptive to daily life. There are many factors that cause constipation, ranging from the foods consumed, not drinking enough water, and not practicing a healthy lifestyle.
Generally, every person’s bowel movement frequency is different. However, if a person does not have a bowel movement for more than 3 days, it may be a sign that they have constipation. Hence, it is important to understand the cause of constipation.
This article details the information about why people have constipation and its causes and treatments. Here is the explanation!
What Is Constipation?
In general, the symptoms of constipation are nearly similar in each individual. Here are several symptoms of constipation:
- You don’t have a bowel movement for at least 3 times a week
- The texture of the feces is dry, rough, and hard
- It feels painful during a bowel movement or you need to strain excessively during a bowel movement
- Abdominal pain and bloating
Causes of Constipation
There are several common causes that lead to constipation, including:
1. Not Eating Enough Foods that Contain Fibers
High-fiber food plays a crucial role in digestive health, including preventing constipation. Essentially, most fibers in foods are not absorbed or digested by the body. Hence, fiber remains in the intestines to help modulate the digestive system from other foods.
In addition, fiber consumption also affects the consistency and texture of feces. This way, you will have an easier time during a bowel movement.
2. Not Practicing a Healthy Lifestyle
Not having a healthy lifestyle is one of the most common causes of constipation. Not being physically active, exercising regularly, and having a sedentary lifestyle can reduce muscle movement, particularly in the digestive system and intestines. These factors can lead to constipation.
3. Having the Habit of Delaying Having Bowel Movements
For some people, delaying having bowel movements may become an option during busy hours. Essentially, a person cannot really control when to have bowel movements, since it can happen anytime.
This habit can also become one of the causes of constipation, so avoid delaying bowel movements when you feel the urge.
Read also: 15 Health Benefits of Regularly Drinking Warm Water
4. Side Effects of Medications
Taking certain medications may also induce constipation. Some of these medications include anti-epileptic and antidepressant drugs, narcotic pain relievers (such as morphine and codeine), and calcium supplements.
5. Pregnancy
Changes in the body, such as those that occur during pregnancy, may also become a factor that causes constipation. Around 40% of women experience constipation, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. This typically happens due to increased production of progesterone.
In turn, this can weaken the body’s muscles, including the muscles in the digestive tract, which makes bowel movements more difficult.
6. Not Drinking Water Regularly
Not drinking water regularly is also a common cause of constipation. Water can also help support a healthy digestive tract. Low fluid levels in the body will lead to hardening of the feces, which causes constipation.
You can try creating a schedule to drink water regularly to fulfill your daily fluid intake.
7. Psychological Disorders
Several psychological disorders also indirectly impact bowel movements. These include stress, trauma from violence, and excessive anxiety.
How to Treat Constipation
Generally, constipation is not harmful and can be treated by home remedies. However, if this persists, you are recommended to visit a doctor. Here are ways to manage constipation:
Having a Healthy Lifestyle
The best solution to preventing and treating every health disorder is to improve your lifestyle. Having a healthy lifestyle does not only treat constipation, but also helps maintain your fitness and health, both physically and mentally.
You can start by having an active lifestyle to ensure there is movement in your body muscles. In addition, you also need to fulfill your daily nutrient intake to provide energy for daily activities.
Adding Fibers Consumption
Fiber consumption is also crucial to maintain digestive health, especially if you have constipation. Foods with high fiber content help produce softer and bulkier stools. This way, the feces will pass through the intestines more easily.
Fiber can be easily found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. In addition, if you already have constipation, avoid eating foods and drinks that cause gas, such as carbonated beverages, milk, and fatty foods.
Using Epsom Salt
You can also consume Epsom salt to treat constipation. Magnesium in this salt is beneficial for relieving short-term constipation when dissolved in water.
Dissolve 3-5 teaspoons of Epsom salt into 250 ml of warm water, stir evenly, and drink it. Reduce the salt portion into 2 teaspoons for children aged 6-12 years. However, Epsom salt consumption is not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Fulfilling Daily Fluid Intake
It is also crucial to fulfill your daily fluid intake to manage constipation. Ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. This is beneficial for preventing the feces from hardening in the intestines.
Moreover, fulfilling daily fluid intake can also prevent dehydration. Therefore, always have drinking water ready near you, such as AQUA, which is available in various packages to accompany your activities.
There is AQUA Galon that can accompany your home workout and be your family’s drinking water. Bottled AQUA, available in many sizes can also become an easy option for many types of outdoor activities to fulfill your daily fluid intake. Always opt for #AQUADULU, a protected product which can protect your activities.
This concludes the explanation about constipation, its causes, and how to treat it. Start with a simple and good habit by drinking plenty of water to prevent constipation.
Read also: 12 Types of Minerals and Their Functions Needed by the Body
