Constipation
A very common disturbance of the digestive tract, it signifies the lack of regular bowel movements. Since improper stool produces toxins (ama) which find their way into the bloodstream that are then carried to all parts of the body. Thus, in chronic cases this problem can give way to serious diseases such as rheumatism, arthritis, piles, high blood pressure and even cancer.
Ayurveda and Constipation
Constipation is known as Mal baddhata or Kostha baddhata in Ayurveda.
Doshas and Elimination
Vata: The process of elimination is controlled by the Vata (Air + Ether biohumor). When Vata becomes imbalanced, it makes all things dry. This dryness is evident in Vata-based constipation where the stools become hard and impacted. In order to treat Vata constipation, we need to overcome dryness by creating a moist and unctuous environment.
Pitta: Pitta is the Fire-Water biohumor associated with heat in the body. If the colon becomes overheated it can tend towards dryness and cause constipation. Also, the toxins from being constipated can build up in the colon and get reabsorbed by the liver causing additional heat to take form. This can negatively impact the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Bile from the liver is what regulates stool – therefore, the lack of bile results in lack of poop. This type of constipation is treated with cooling and lubrication of the colon.
Kapha: When Vata dosha becomes dominant in the colon, the body will try to balance things out by producing more colonic mucus. In due course, the colon is clogged with mucus which is Kapha-based constipation. If the diet then contains mucus-forming foods, this problem is further aggravated and can even become chronic, or worse loose. Treatment for Kapha-based constipation is centered towards removing mucus using drying, astringent and pungent herbs – the exact opposite of Vata treatment.
Symptoms of Constipation
You may be diagnosed with chronic constipation if you are:
- Passing stools fewer than thrice a week
- Having hard/lumpy or pencil-thin stools
- Straining for a bowel movement
- Feeling as if there is something blocking your rectum and preventing a bowel movement
- Feeling as if you have not completely emptied your bowels
- Needing to have press down on your abdomen or some other form of help to empty your rectum
Your constipation is said to be chronic if you have experienced two or more of these symptoms in the last three months.
Chronic constipation might lead to or boost the chances for more serious complications like the following. If you start to see a multiple of these symptoms, it’s time to treat your bowel problem as a medical emergency and see a doctor immediately.
- Infrequency, irregularity or difficulty in eliminating hard fecal matter
- Coated tongue
- Foul breath
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dark circles under the eye
- Depression
- Nausea
- Pimples
- Mouth ulcers
- Diarrhea alternating with constipation
- Varicose veins
- Pain in the lumbar region
- Acidity
- Heartburn
- Insomnia
- Sudden weight gain/loss
Root Causes of Constipation
- Improper diet and irregular eating habits
- Insufficient intake of water and high fiber food
- Ignoring the urge of bowel movements
- Excessive intake of animal protein
- Irritable colon or blockages in the colon/rectum
- Spastic colitis
- Emotional disturbances
- Extreme changes in daily routine
- Lack of sleep
- Lack of physical activity
- Paralytic or mechanical obstruction to the passage of stools
- Certain medications like narcotics (particularly codeine), antidepressants, iron and calcium supplements, calcium-channel blockers (antihypertensives, particularly verapamil) and non-magnesium antacids
- Pregnancy may cause due to hormonal imbalance, the low level of activity and the increasing pressure of the growing uterus against the intestines
- Neurological disorders like MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Parkinson’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries and chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
- Endocrine and metabolic conditions like uremia, diabetes, hypercalcemia, poor glycemic control and hypothyroidism
- Systemic diseases that affect a number of organs and tissues or affect the body as a whole, they include lupus, scleroderma and amyloidosis
- Advancing age sees constipation as a common problem as weakened metabolism lowers intestinal activity
- Piles
- Anal fissures
Diagnosis of Constipation
When you see a doctor, the following tests may be recommended to find the root cause of your constipation:
- Blood tests to determine hormone levels
- Barium test to check for colon blockages
- Colonoscopy to examine the rectum and entire colon
- Anorectal manometry to evaluate the functioning of the anal sphincter muscle
- Balloon expulsion test to evaluate the speed of the anal sphincter muscle
- Colonic transit study to see how well food moves through the colon
- MRI defecography to visualize and assess the function of the defecation muscles
- Sigmoidoscopy to examine the working of the rectum and lower, or sigmoid, colon
Natural Constipation Remedies
Herbs |
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Ayurvedic Supplements (to be taken under physician’s guidance – Consult Now) |
Kumariasava No. 1 Eranda Taila Panchsakar Churna Swadista Virechan Churna |
Diet
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Lifestyle |
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Yoga |
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