Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation is infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools that persists for several weeks or o longer. Though occasional constipation is very common, some people le experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability go about their daily tasks. Chronic constipation may also cause excessive straining to have a bowel movement.
Treatment for chronic constipation depends in part on the underlying cause. However, in many cases, a cause is never found. Improper bowel training during childhood can lead to chronic constipation in adult life.
Signs and symptoms of chronic constipation include one or more of following:
1.Passing fewer stools than normal
2.Having lumpy or hard stools
3.Straining to have bowel movements
4.Feeling as though there’s a blockage in your rectum that prevents bowel movements
Lifestyle Modification
1.Exercise regularly:
2.Drink plenty of water and liquids
3.Make sure you eat regular and controlled meals as advised by your doctor/dietician.
4.Eat high fiber diet, plenty of fruits and green leafy vegetables.
5.Eat 5 or 6 small meals during the day, not 3 large ones.
6.Eat 3-4 hours before going to sleep to fully digest the meal.
7.Stop smoking for overall good health.
8.Avoid coffee/caffeine and chewing gum.
Avoid alcohol consumption
Try to manage stress.
Diet
In many cases, simple changes in your diet can provide relief. Although your body may not respond immediately to these changes, your goal is to find long-term, not temporary, solutions:
1.Add fiber in your diet – It helps to reduce constipation. The best approach is to slowly increase the amount of fiber in your diet over a period of weeks. If your signs and symptoms remain the same or worse, tell your doctor. Some people do better limiting dietary fiber and instead take a fiber supplement that causes less gas and bloating. If you take a fiber supplement, introduce it slowly and drink plenty of water every day to reduce gas, bloating and constipation.
2.Include plenty of high-fiber foods in your diet, including beans, green leafy vegetables, salad, fruits, whole grain cereals and bran.
3.Eat fewer foods with low amounts of fiber such as processed foods, and dairy and meat products.
4.Drink plenty of fluids.
Which type of toilet seat helps in better bowel movement?
1.The Indian Squatting commode is best for proper bowel movement. If the western commode is used, the placement of a raised stool at the foot helps.