How do you define constipation?

A worried mother came to my clinic with her teenage daughter

"Doctor, my daughter is suffering from constipation. Please do something"

She narrated her story. She goes to toilet in the morning. But there is no urge. She strains and strains without any effect and comes out with a sorry face.

" Doctor I am really worried".

I asked "Do you mean, she does not pass stool?"

"No doctor, she passes it sometime in the afternoon or late evening. some day she does not pass at all"

"Then what is the problem?"

"She should pass stools every morning before her breakfast."

I said "not necessarily, Nothing is wrong if we pass it in the evening.

What is the frequency of bowel movements? 

It is between three per day to three per week. And hence it is really difficult to define constipation

This means that even you pass three satisfactory stools in a week, you are not constipated.

However,people are not convinced. For them, passing stools every day is a sign of health. 

 

This is due to the conditioning since childhood

They label themselves as constipated and start taking laxatives and develop the habit of straining. They become obsessive

Rather than taking laxatives one should improve his lifestyle

Adequate dietary fiber

At least three fruits per day and adequate amount of vegetables

Water intake (1000 ml/day)

Regular exercise (I recommend Suryanamaskar)

Advantage

Less calories, yet more filling. 

You eat less and stay satisfied longer

Absorption of glucose is delayed

The bulk of stools increases

Bowel movements normalise

Remember that non-veg food does not contain any fiber

Heavy intake of meat is not good for health

Medications can cause it

• Cough syrups containing codeine

• Medicines for parkinson's disease

• Antidepressants

• Calcium and iron supplements can also have constipation as a notable side effect.

• Check your thyroid status. Hypothyroidism is a cause of constipation

The bottom line:

• Do not enter the toilet unless there is a strong urge

• Refrain from taking laxatives. If you feel uneasy about not passing stools, then insert a suppository into the rectum. you will get urge within 15 minutes.

• Do not label yourself as constipated.