Constipation in adults is one of the most common digestive problems, where the person has difficulty passing their stools. If you poop less than three times a week, you may have constipation. Almost everyone in their life has been through this condition. Although this is not a serious condition, one may feel discomfort when constipated. There are several reasons why a person may have constipation. In some rare cases, constipation can be a serious cause and may need medical attention.  Here are the causes and symptoms of constipation. 

Symptoms of Constipation

If a person has difficulty in passing their bowels it may be an indicator of constipation. Some symptoms of constipation are 

  • Difficulty in passing stools 
  • Irregular or fewer than 3 stools in a week 
  • Hard, lumpy stools 
  • Blockage in the rectum that prevents bowels 
  • Requiring help in emptying stool from the rectum

Causes of Constipation 

There are several causes why a person may have constipation. Many times constipation may occur as a side effect of other food pipe problems. Whatever the cause be, one should consult the best liver, specialist in Delhi, NCR region. 

  • Poor lifestyle 

One of the common reasons for constipation is the lifestyle choices you make. Poor habits such as not drinking enough water, having an inactive lifestyle, poor eating habits such as having junk food regularly, etc leads to constipation. One must exercise regularly and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. People who consume caffeine, alcohol are also prone to having hard stools. Caffeine or alcohol leads to an increase in dehydration, thus worsening constipation. Several times people try to ignore the desire to bowel or have irregular bowel times. This too can lead to constipation. 

  • Lack of fiber 

Fibre is considered good for your stools as they help increase the weight of your stools and soften them. If you have loose motions, eating fibre will help solidify it. Dietary fibre is the edible part of plants that cannot be digested. People who have a high proportion of fibre in their diet are less prone to constipation. Some of the high fibre foods that you can include in your diet are- 

  • Fruits such as pears, bananas, apples, oranges, strawberries etc. 
  • Vegetables such as green peas, broccoli, sweet corn, cauliflower, carrots, etc. It is better that one eats the veggies boiled. 
  • Chia seeds, black beans, pistachios also high fiber content. 

  • Change in routine

A shift from the daily routine may also lead to constipation. If a person travels to a new place and is not used to the food there, it may lead to digestive problems. Travelling may lead to irregular bowel movements, changes in the diet and eating habits, disturbance in sleep, etc. all this may lead to constipation. It is important that you try to maintain your routine as much as possible. 

  • Laxative Abuse  

Although laxatives help in the regular bowels, one should not solely depend on them. Regular use of laxatives makes your body accustomed to them. The more a person is accustomed to laxatives, the greater is their risk of constipation. In some cases, a person may become insensitive to laxatives and would not be able to pass stools without the use of laxatives. Laxatives also cause dehydration, damage to internal organs, and electrolyte imbalance. It is better to consult a food pipe specialist before using laxatives. 

  • Irritable bowel Syndrome 

Constipation may occur as one of the symptoms of IBS. IBS is an intestinal disorder affecting the intestines and cramping in the stomach. Other symptoms include constipation and vomiting in adults. It is advisable that one consults a stomach doctor in Faridabad, to treat IBS. Usually, a change in diet is recommended. The diet should be such that it becomes easier for the person to pass stools. A diet should be fibrous and a low FODMAP diet. Foods that may trigger IBS should be avoided. 

Treatment for constipation 

Most people experience mild constipation which is cured within days. One can make small changes in their routine life and treat constipation at home itself. If you experience severe pain and continue to have constipation for more than three weeks, then you must consult the best gastroenterologist in Faridabad 

Some common constipation in adult remedies are – 

  • Exercise

Regular exercise is a must for a healthy life. Physical inactivity increases the risk of constipation. Daily jogging or walking, swimming and other vigorous exercises might help in bowel movement. 

  • Dietary changes 

A change in diet is a must if you are suffering from constipation. One should shift to eating fibrous food, probiotic foods like yoghurt, switch to herbal laxatives, etc. Making these small changes will help in treating chronic constipation at home itself. One should strictly cut out on junk food or any unhealthy eating habits. If constipation persists, one should consult the best liver specialist in Patna, Bihar to know the other underlying causes and get the proper treatment.

  • A low FODMAP diet 

For constipation in adult, this home remedy is considered the best. A low FODMAP diet is a diet designed for people with a gastrointestinal disorder. It can help in relieving the symptoms of IBS. Low FODMAP stands for “Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols.” Limiting the consumption of such foods may help in reducing the symptoms of IBS and improving your overall condition. You may consult and take guidance from the best liver doctor in Patna for a proper low FODMAP diet. 

Constipation is an easily curable condition. In cases where the condition is serious and one has persistent pain in passing their bowel, one should consult a specialist doctor. Some of the best gastroenterologists in Max Saket, Dr. Nivedita Pandey would be able to treat your condition. You can also find her as hepatologist in Patna or the best doctor for hepatitis b in Patna, a gastroenterologist in Faridabad, food pipe specialist, the best gastro doctor in Delhi, NCR, a gastroenterologist In Uttarakhand, a liver specialist in Jhansi, best gastroenterologist in Jammu take advantage of the online gastroenterology consultation to gastroenterologist live chat and receive the best treatment that your body deserves!