Constipation Causes and Natural Treatments

Constipation is a common problem that affects almost everyone in the life one time or another. Due to the poor eating habits, uneven lifestyle and late nights, constipation has occupied almost everyone in its grip. According to Ayurveda, when a person does not pass stool at least once in 24 hours, he is considered to be constipated.
Major Causes of Constipation

Unhealthy colon with lots of wastes (toxins) accumulated inside it, is the main reason behind many colon diseases. The cause of constipation on a pyhsical level is dietary - eating food which is difficult to digest. Lifestyle is another important factor – sleeping late, rushing off to work in the morning without giving proper time for evacuation, excessive stimulation like watching lot of television etc. all lead to constipation.

Mental factors like, nervousness, stress, insomnia also lead to constipation as do medical causes like, fever, infections and being bedridden for long. Acute constipation usually indicates accumulation of wastes in the colon (ama), as in cases of fevers, severe bloating or gas fasting and a light diet should be followed.

Natural Treatments for Constipation

Dietary habits should be looked at in the first place. The aim should be to have whole grains, bran, raw fruits and vegetables. Fruit juices like prune and grape can be taken. Olive and sesame oil is also used in order to treat constipation.
Triphala is a very popular Ayurvedic composition consisting of three tropical fruits, haritaki, amalaki, and bibhitaki. It is an excellent herbal colon cleanser and tonic as well as a Rasayan (rejuvenator). The normal dose is 5–15 gm. taken at bedtime with lukewarm water.

Another natural treatment for constipation is aloe gel 1-2 teaspoons three times a day. It is good to keep colon healthy. You can also take psyllium husk powder 1-2 teaspoons in warm water before sleeping for better bowel movement.
Natural laxatives like senna and rhubarb are useed for acute constipation but should be used with caution. In the long run they can precipitate constipation.

Enema is one of the best natural methods for treating acute and chronic constipation which are not benefited by the above medications. Enema should only be undertaken under the guidance of an Ayurvedic expert only.

Natural Remedies for Constipation Relief

Natural herbs and spices like cumin seeds, coriander, turmeric powder, fennel and asafetida helps in improving digestive system.
 
Another simple remedy for constipation is to drink a glass of warm milk at the time of going to bed. This helps in evacuation, the next morning.

In the morning after waking up, drinking a glass preferably warm water, and then waiting for a few minutes before going for evacuation helps in cleaning the bowels.

Improve Digestion to Avoid Constipation

Improper functioning of the digestive system can result in a number of ailments including constipation. A weak digestive system fails to provide enough nutrients to your body that it requires. Find some easy rules and guidelines that will increase regularity, decrease bloating, gas, and indigestion.

1. Eat at regular meals times.It is important to be regular with the type of foods as well as the time. Eating similar type food and at similar times each day has a regulating effect on your digestive system.

2. Give proper time for evacuation and at fix time. Do not hurry. This will keep your colon clean and healthy.

3. Drink warm or hot liquids with your meal. Ice cold water or drinks can slow down the digestive process. With cold water, muscle stiffens and does not function as well.
 
3. Avoid over consumption of food. Its unhealthy and is the main cause of indigestion. So, be conscious of what you eat and your portion sizes. Stop eating before you are full.

4. Chew your food completely and don't talk while eating. Our digestive systems are not designed to digest large pieces of food, so putting large pieces in our stomachs can lead to incomplete digestion. Proper chewing also releases digestive enzymes to further aid in the digestive process.

5. Eat food in a relaxed mood. Do not watch TV or perform any other work simultaneously. Eating when you are rushed increases your stress and slows down the digestive process.

6. Eat the easiest to digest foods first in your meal. Then slowly move towards the  more complex.

7. Practice good posture. Improper or bad posture can lead to poor digestion. You should practice sitting with your shoulders back and your chin tucked in. This will allow more room for the digestive organs and will help improve digestion.

8. Take your dinner 2-3 hours before going to bed. Your body, including digestive system, slow down in the evening hours as they prepare to rest and rejuvenate. When you put food into your stomachs late in the evening, there are fewer digestive enzymes available to facilitate proper digestion.

9. Take a walk after meal specially at night before going to bed. Increased physical activity actually helps your digestive system, and increases the production of digestive enzymes. This will lead to proper digestion of your food.

10. Avoid processed foods. Include fiber rich foods in your diet such as fruits, vegetables and grains. Drink plenty of water.

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