Constipation Constipation is a common disturbance of the digestive tract. In this condition, the bowels do not move regularly, or are not completely emptied when they move. This condition is the chief cause of many diseases as it produces toxins which find their way into the bloodstream and are carried to all parts of the body. Appendicitis, rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure, cataract., and cancer are only a few of the diseases in which chronic constipation is an important predisposing factor.Constipation is one of the most common of all digestive disorders and it can affect people of all age groups, from toddlers to the aged. Before you get ahead of yourself keep in mind that our digestive systems function differently and while some people may consider the absence of bowel movements on a single day as constipation, for some regular bowel movements may occur daily. Disruptions or aberrations from your normal routine that cause discomfort should be a cause for attention however. Constipation refers to the inability to pass stools and could involve straining to empty the bowels or the presence of excessively hard stools, causing discomfort and possibly pain. The severity of constipation may vary greatly, but in most cases it is just a temporary phenomenon that will resolve naturally or with some intervention. Recurring bouts of constipation or chronic constipation can however be problematic and be indicative of other problems or a faulty diet. Chronic constipation in children, babies, toddlers and the elderly is not uncommon, and while it should not be neglected this is not a threatening condition if it responds to mild constipation treatments. The symptoms, causes, and treatment for chronic constipation in children would be different from the treatment given to an adult. Chronic constipation if neglected or simply addressed with short term measures can however cause the development of other complications over a long period of time. Constipation treatment in such a scenario should not simply be directed towards constipation relief but should be aimed at identify and rectifying the underlying cause. Long term chronic constipation when neglected can lead to conditions like fecal impaction, piles or hemorrhoids, anal fissures and fecal incontinence. The occasional bout of constipation should not be cause for worry, but acute constipation should again not be neglected as it could be caused by a serious underlying medical condition. Constipation treatment is usually very effective and the main causes being dietary and lifestyle factors, simply making the required changes to these areas of your life can help prevent or even cure constipation. Constipation in children may be treated with suppositories, and although constipation relief for babies and children may be achieved with natural remedies or home treatments, they should only be applied upon consultation with your doctor. For mild constipation relief during pregnancy it would be best to avoid using tablets and instead try home treatments like specific foods or even suppositories. Symptoms of Constipation Infrequency, Irregularity in Elimination of Hard Faecal Matter The most common symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or difficulty in elimination of the hard fecal matter. Coated Tongue, Foul Breath, Headache, Depression , Insomnia etc The other symptoms include a coated tongue, foul breath, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, dark circles under the eyes, depression, nausea, pimples on the face, ulcer in the mouth, constant fullness in the abdomen, diarrhoea alternating with constipation, varicose veins, pain in the lumbar region, acidity, heart burn, and insomnia. Discomfort In addition to changes in bowel movements constipation would also be likely to cause symptoms like abdominal cramps aches, and a very bloated feeling. Although you may feel hungry you feel full rapidly and there is a loss of appetite. Nausea may also be observed in some cases. Constipation in Children In addition to constipation symptoms like irregular bowel movements children are also likely to display a loss of appetite and fatigue. Smaller children are very likely to display irritability and discontentment. Constipation in children is also most likely to cause severe abdominal pain and uneasiness and you would also notice particularly foul odor emanating from stools and flatulence. Constipation treatment for infants, babies and smaller children with natural or home remedies should be avoided as the treatment would require the medical expertise of a doctor. Age plays a large role in treating constipation newborn babies, toddlers, children, and adults. Causes of Constipation Faulty Diet and Style of Living The most important causes of chronic constipation are a faulty diet and style of living. It is common knowledge that a diet that is deficient in fiber will eventually lead to constipation. Most populations that follow fiber deficient diets are in fact plagued with a high incidence of chronic constipation. Simply including fiber rich foods like fresh fruits and cereals in your daily diet would help treating constipation. Insufficient Intake of Water, Strong Tea and Coffee etc Intake of refined and rich foods lacking in vitamins and minerals, insufficient intake of water, consumption of meat in large quantities, excessive use of strong tea and coffee, insufficient chewing, overeating and wrong combination of foods, irregular habits of eating and drinking may all contribute to poor bowel function. Irregular Habit of Defecation, Lack of Physical Activity Other causes include faulty and irregular habit of defecation, frequent use of purgatives, weakness of abdominal muscles due to sedentary habits, lack of physical activity, and emotional stress and strain. In addition to the above mentioned causes it should be pointed out that stress can also contribute to the problem, as do anxiety or depression. No matter what the cause treating constipation with laxatives will simply offer temporary relief, but not a permanent cure to the problem. Long term changes need to be made to your diet and lifestyle for any lasting solution to the problem. Keep in mind that constipation can also be caused by certain drugs and during pregnancy, and will resolve as soon as the medication is stopped or the child delivered. Certain medical conditions could also contribute to the development of constipation, which is why severe or chronic constipation that does not respond to natural treatments for constipation should be reported to a health care professional. Remedies for Constipation Constipation Treatment Using Bael Fruit Generally all fruits, except banana and jack fruit, are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Certain fruits are, however, more effective. Bael fruit is regarded as the best of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use for two or three months throws out even the old accumulated faecal matter. It should be preferably taken in its original form and before dinner. About sixty grams of the fruit are sufficient for an adult. Constipation Treatment Using Pear Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Patients suffering from chronic constipation should adopt an exclusive diet of this fruit or it's juice for a few days, but in ordinary cases, a medium-sized pear taken after dinner or with breakfast will have the desired effect. Constipation Treatment Using Guava Guava is another effective remedy for constipation. When eaten with seeds, it provides roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels. One or two guavas should be taken everyday. Constipation Treatment Using Grapes Grapes have proved very beneficial in overcoming constipation. The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes make them a laxative food. Their field of action is not limited to clearing the bowels only. They also tone up the stomach and intestines and relieve the most chronic constipation. One should take at least 350 gm of this fruit daily to achieve the desired results. When fresh grapes are not available, raisins, soaked in water, can be used. Raisins should be soaked for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. This will make them swell to the original size of the grapes. They should be eaten early in the morning, along with the water in which they have been soaked. Constipation Treatment Using Orange Orange is also beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Taking one or two oranges at bedtime and again on rising in the morning is an excellent way of stimulating the bowels. The general stimulating influence of orange juice excites peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon. Constipation Treatment Using Papaya and Figs Other fruits specific for constipation are papaya and figs. Half a medium-sized papaya should be eaten at breakfast for it to act as a laxative. Both fresh and dry figs have a laxative effect. Four or five dry figs should be soaked overnight in a little water and eaten in the morning. Constipation Treatment Using Spinach Among the vegetables, spinach has been considered to be the most vital food for the entire digestive tract from time immemorial. Raw spinach contains the finest organic material for the cleansing, reconstruction, and regeneration of the intestinal tract. Raw spinach juice-100 ml, mixed with an equal quantity of water and taken twice daily, will cure the most aggravated cases of constipation within a few days. Constipation Treatment Using Other Remedies Half a lime, squeezed is a glass of hot water, with half a teaspoon of salt is also an effective remedy for constipation. Drinking water which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel, first thing in the morning, brings good results. Linseed (alse) is extremely useful in difficult cases of constipation. A teaspoon of linseed swallowed with water before each meal provides both roughage and lubrication. Drinking a glass of hot water is also known to stimulate bowel movements but this may not suffice in severe cases of constipation. Physical activity is known to help reduce the risk of constipation and yoga is particularly noteworthy as a physical fitness regime in this regard. Yoga comprises of a variety of postures and movements, many of which stimulate and encourage the bowel functions. Practicing yoga can thereby enhance your digestive systems functioning and eliminate or at least reduce the occurrence of digestive disorders like constipation. Home Remedies For Constipation Although constipation treatment with over the counter medications may be extremely effective they are best avoided unless there is severe constipation. Laxatives sold over the counter may offer constipation relief but they don't really address the cause of the problem. Treating constipation with natural remedies and home treatments should therefore be preferred. This is particularly true in the case of chronic or recurring constipation as repeated or frequent usage of laxatives can cause a host of other problems such as lazy colon syndrome, where defecation becomes impossible without the use of such artificial stimulants. Frequent or chronic constipation is best treated with home remedies and constipation home cures, while the use of pharmaceutical laxatives may be reserved for constipation relief in severe cases, where home treatments do not facilitate the passage of stools. The treatment or resolution of the problem is however not arrived at simply with evacuation of the bowels. The root cause of the problem needs to be identified and addressed, and this would almost always involve diet and lifestyle changes. Where the cause is due to some underlying medical condition, constipation treatment would actually need to address the other condition to eliminate constipation. There are plenty of effective and fast home remedies for constipation that can help provide significant relief from the condition. While home remedies for gas, constipation and other digestive disorders may be extremely effective, none of them offer an instant cure or a permanent cure. There are no instant home remedies for constipation, but they do work rather rapidly, showing some quick results. Home treatment for chronic or frequent constipation however requires long term modifications and changes to diet and lifestyle for any lasting cure. Constipation remedies for infants can also be of great help as pharmaceutical products may be dangerous and too strong for babies, but it would be best to always consult your doctor when dealing with constipation or diarrhea in an infant. Constipation is not only caused by food and lifestyle habits however, but very often by some underlying health condition or due to some physical condition. Pregnancy is one such condition in which constipation is simply a symptom. Constipation remedies during pregnancy will help to relieve the discomfort and remedy the situation, but the problem will only resolve completely after delivery. Natural constipation remedies work just as effectively as constipation medicines nut natural remedies are highly preferable particularly when dealing with constipation during pregnancy or constipation after surgery. One of the dangers of overtly relying on constipation medications is a possible development of dependence on laxatives for passing stools or a condition called lazy bowel syndrome. In such situations and individual is incapable of passing any bowel movements without consuming laxatives. Natural but quick constipation remedies for swift relief may include eating papayas, bale fruit, or dates and figs that have been soaked overnight, but switching to a diet rich in high fiber foods is most crucial for a permanent cure. Diet for Constipation Natural and Simple Diet Consisting of Unrefined Foods The most important factor in curing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of unrefined foods such as wholegrain cereals, bran, honey, lentils, green and leafy vegetables, fresh and dry fruits, and milk products in the form of butter, clarified butter, and cream. The diet alone is not enough. While you are advised to include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and wholegrain cereals in your diet you should also be cautioned against the intake of certain foods. While it is not necessary to go on a restrictive diet it is important that you moderate your intake of low fiber and high fat foods like red meats, cheese, and other processed or refined foods. Likewise you need to keep yourself well hydrated with a good intake of water and fresh fruit juices, while steering clear of unhealthy artificial drinks and juices or alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Chew Food Properly, Avoid Hurried Meals and Irregular meals Food should be properly chewed. Hurried meals and meals at odd times should be avoided. Sugar and sugary foods should be strictly avoided. Foods which constipate are all products made of white flour, rice, bread, pulses, cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, fleshy foods, preserves, white sugar, and hard-boiled eggs. Suggestion for Constipation Fresh Air, Outdoor Games and Exercise Toning up the muscles also helps in the treatment of constipation. Fresh air, outdoor games, walking, swimming, and exercise play an important role in strengthening the muscles, and thereby preventing constipation | 
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