What is Constipation?

No able to clear bowels every morning? This article will explain what is Constipation, its causes, and the best homeopathic treatment for it.

Constipation refers to less frequent bowel movements (less than 3 times a week) or difficulty in passing stools. It most commonly occurs when stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard and dry.

How does constipation happen?

As food moves through the digestive tract, nutrients are being absorbed constantly. The partially digested food that remains moves from the small intestine to the large intestine (colon). Your colon’s main job is to absorb water from the residual food, creating solid waste (stool). The colon’s muscles eventually push the waste out through the rectum for elimination.

If constipation occurs, food moves too slowly through the digestive tract, giving the colon too much time to absorb water from the waste. As a result, the stool becomes dry, hard, and difficult to pass.

What is the cause of Constipation?

People of all ages can have an occasional bout of constipation. Though occasional constipation is common, some people experience chronic constipation that may interfere with their daily tasks.

Commonly, constipation is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, including:

• Changes in diet or irregular routine (e.g., while traveling or sleeping at different times)
• Eating foods low in fiber
• Consuming large amounts of milk, cheese
• Dehydration (not drinking enough water)
• Lack of physical activity
• Stress
• Resisting the urge to pass stools for long periods
  
  

Dietary causes of Constipation:

Certain medications, such as NSAIDs, antacids, iron supplements, allergy medicines, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, psychiatric and antidepressants, can also cause constipation. It’s recommended to consult your homeopathic physician if you suspect a medication might be causing this issue.

Medical Conditions:

Constipation can also be caused by underlying medical conditions like:

• Endocrine disorders (e.g., Hypothyroidism, Diabetes)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Lazy Bowel Syndrome (poor muscular contraction of the colon)
• Intestinal Obstruction
• Structural defects in the digestive tract (e.g., fissures, strictures)
• Neurological disorders (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease)
• Colorectal cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Constipation:

• Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week
• Painful bowel movements with dry, hard stools
• Sensation of incomplete emptying or blockage in the tract
• Nausea, stomach ache, cramps
• Bloated sensation

Complications of Constipation:

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures (tears in the anus from passing hard stools)
• Diverticulitis
• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
• Rectal Prolapse

Prevention and Natural Treatment for Constipation:

Most cases of constipation are mild and can be treated at home. Here are a few recommendations:

• Hydration: Drink 2 to 4 liters of water daily. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration.
• Diet: Eat 18-30 grams of fiber every day. Include fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grains.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps prevent constipation.
• Bowel Habits: Establish a regular schedule for bowel movements. Avoid delaying the urge to pass stools.
• Stress Management: Reduce stress, which can be a major factor in constipation.

While conventional medicine may suggest over-the-counter fiber supplements or laxatives, excessive use can worsen the condition. Homeopathy provides a more natural treatment approach.

Diagnosis:

Consult a homeopathic doctor if you have severe pain, blood in your stools, or if constipation persists for longer than three weeks.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Constipation:

1. Alumina
2. Silicea
3. Plumbum Metallicum
4. Hydrastis
5. Nux Vomica
6. Sulphur

These are just a few homeopathic remedies for constipation. A consultation with a professional homeopathic doctor is always recommended for the best results.

HomoeoCARE’s Approach:

While modern medicine focuses on treating chronic constipation based on its underlying cause, homeopathy addresses the root cause. Homeopathic remedies work on the mucosal cells of the intestine, improving nutrient absorption, aiding fiber absorption, and increasing mucous secretion to soften stools.

If constipation becomes chronic or you experience significant changes in bowel movements, seek the expertise of a homeopathic physician. HomoeoCARE offers personalized treatment with skilled homeopathic doctors who are dedicated to relieving constipation and other gastric-related complaints.