Symptoms of Constipation

Constipated stools can become hard, infrequent and difficult to expel.
You are by definition suffering from constipation, if you have:

3 or fewer 
bowel movements 
per week

Hard and 
lumpy stools

A sensation of blockage
or obstruction in the
anus and/or rectum

A strained
stool passage

Complications of Constipation

Constant strain during stool passage as well as accumulation of dry and hard stool in the rectum and anus can lead to anal problems like fissures and hemorrhoids (rectal swelling, rectal bleeding). 

Causes of Constipation

Factors that encourage the development of constipation can stem from various sources. These include a poor diet, inadequate fiber and fluid intake, imbalanced microflora composition, lack of exercise and medicinal side effects.

 

 
 

 

Ways to treat and to prevent constipation through diet:

Improving your dietary habits can make a big difference when it comes to constipation.

  • One simple way to keep your intestinal tract healthy is by implementing a fiber-rich diet. You can do that by eating lots of wholegrain products, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables.  
    Fiber helps you form soft, bulky stools and developing regular contractions in your gut. This helps get your digestive processes going. Keep in mind that fiber intake should be increased gradually since our body has to slowly adjust to the increased amount of fiber that needs to be digested.
  • Drinking enough water is the key for maintaining overall body functions including our digestion. Adequate fluid intake can prevent the stool consistency from getting too dry, keeping it smooth for facilitated defecation.
  • Eating a healthy diet also means to limit your general sugar, fat and salt intake. Junk food, fast food and heavily processed foods should be avoided at all times. Especially during the process of retraining your bowel into finding its natural flow those foods should not be part of your daily eating routine.

Ways to treat and to prevent constipation through lifestyle changes:

Not only what you eat but also how you eat can be a vital starting point for reducing constipation.

  • It is important to eat well-balanced meals. Skipping meals should be avoided. Your intestine contracts naturally when you digest food. By eating meals on a regular basis your body can establish a natural rhythm, which encourages successful bowel movements.  
  • Eating greater quantities of food for breakfast can be advantageous for implementing or maintaining a natural bowel movement routine. A breakfast, containing whole grain, fruits, nuts and seeds can effectively stimulate intestinal contractions and encourage smooth digestive movements. 
  • If you exercise regularly you do not only benefit your bowel but your overall health as well. Physical activity can improve hormonal imbalance and reduces intestinal motility, which helps to regulate the normal digestive flow.

Side note: It is strongly advised to see a doctor before starting any kind of therapy approach.

"If one's bowels move, one is happy."

-Lin Yutang-

Try it the natural way

First-line treatment should always focus on diet and physical activity. Herbal laxatives are great natural choices for treating intestinal complaints including constipation. Herbal laxatives can be found as premixed teas, capsules, tablets or drops and often contain preparations with senna, frangula cascara sagrada, rhubarb, peppermint, aloe vera and fennel. Eucarbon® contains senna leaf and rhubarb root as effective laxative agents. Note that natural agents with pharmaceutical benefits should also always be taken according to the given dosage instructions and, where appropriate, under medical advice.