What is Constipation?
Constipation is a condition related to the digestive system. In this case, the movement of the intestines becomes slow, and the stool (poop) becomes dry, hard, and difficult to pass. Normally, if a person passes stool less than three times a week or has to push hard during poop, it is called constipation.
Symptoms of Constipation
-
Passing stool less than 3 times in a week
-
Hard, dry, or small lumps in stool
-
Pain or pressure while passing stool
-
Feeling like your stomach is not fully empty
-
Stool has a bad smell or looks sticky
-
Belly feels bloated or full of gas
-
Spending more time in the toilet for bowel movements
-
Stomach pain or cramps due to not passing stool
Constipation in India
In recent studies, about 18% to 24% of adults in India suffer from constipation.
In big cities, the number is even higher.
Important Point to Note:
People with diabetes have a 2.2 times higher risk of developing constipation.
If a person has thyroid problems, the risk increases by 2.4 times.
Those with anorectal disorders face a 2.7 times higher risk of constipation.
Why Does Constipation Happen?
1. Diet Related Reasons
-
Eating less fiber
-
Drinking less water
-
Eating more butter, cheese, bakery food
2. Habits and lifestyle
-
No daily routine
-
Avoiding morning poop
-
Sitting too long at work
3. Mental Reasons
-
Depression, sadness
-
Tiredness, stress
4. Medicine Side Effects
-
Iron or calcium supplements
-
Painkillers
-
Antidepressants
Who is at More Risk of Constipation?
-
Old people
-
Pregnant women or after childbirth
-
Smokers
-
People who eat low fiber food
-
People who drink less water
-
Lazy or no movement lifestyle
-
Taking certain medicines
-
People with depression
-
Nerve diseases
-
Hormone problems
Types of Constipation
-
Sudden Constipation (Acute) – Sudden constipation is usually caused by dietary or lifestyle changes
-
Long-term Constipation (Chronic) – Regular constipation and incomplete bowel movements that persist for three months or more
-
Slow Transit – Stool moves slowly through the intestines
-
Obstructive – Blockage in the intestine due to a lump or pressure
-
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – When the pelvic muscles do not function properly, there is difficulty in defecation
-
Medicine-caused Constipation – By the use of medications such as iron, painkillers, or antidepressants
-
Functional Constipation – Constipation caused by brain or lifestyle factors, with no apparent physical cause
-
Ayurvedic Constipation – Various types of constipation occur due to the imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas
How is Constipation Diagnosed?
-
Blood, urine, and stool tests
-
Endoscopy to look inside the intestines
-
Transit study to check the movement
-
Muscle function tests (manometry, defecography)
-
CT or MRI to find blockages
Best Home Remedies for Constipation
-
Warm lemon water on empty stomach
-
Use: 1 glass warm water + ½ lemon juice + pinch of salt
-
Cow ghee with warm milk at night
-
Use: 1 spoon ghee in 1 glass warm milk
-
Isabgol (Psyllium husk)
-
Use: 1 spoon isabgol with warm water or milk at night
-
Triphala churna
-
Use: 1 spoon Triphala with warm water at night
-
Castor oil (Erand oil)
-
Use: 1–2 spoons with warm milk (only once or twice a week)
-
Dry black raisins (Munakka)
-
Soak 5–6 in water at night, eat in morning on empty stomach
-
Ajwain & Jeera tea
-
Boil ½ spoon ajwain + ½ spoon jeera in water, drink like tea
-
Flax seeds
-
Soak 1 spoon overnight, eat in the morning
-
Papaya and guava
-
Eat 100–150 grams in the morning or after dinner
-
Yoga – Malasana, Pavanmuktasana, Vajrasana
-
These yoga poses are extremely beneficial for increasing intestinal motility.
What to Do If You Have Constipation?
-
Avoid stress and sadness
-
Drink more water
-
Eat more fiber
-
Do regular exercise
-
Keep a comfortable daily routine
-
Try home or Ayurvedic remedies
-
If needed, take mild medicines
-
If it’s long-term, see a specialist
-
Avoid alcohol and smoking – they harm digestion
-
Ask the doctor about the medicine's side effects
FAQs (Constipation Questions)
How do I know if I have constipation?
If you need to push hard, don’t poop every day, or feel incomplete after pooping, then you may have constipation.
What causes constipation?
Low fiber, less water, less movement, stress, medicines, or hormone problems.
Can constipation cause serious problems?
Yes. It can cause piles, anal cuts, toxins in the body, less movement of the intestines, and stomach pain.
Can home remedies cure constipation?
Yes. Triphala, isabgol, lemon water, papaya, ghee-milk, and yoga can really help.
What should I eat to avoid constipation?
Eat fiber-rich food like vegetables, fruits (papaya, guava), pulses, whole wheat, and drink enough water.
What is the best Ayurvedic remedy?
Triphala churna, Haritaki, Isabgol, Castor oil, and body oil massage (Abhyanga).
Can stress cause constipation?
Yes, stress and mental imbalance can affect digestion and cause constipation.
Which medicine is good for constipation?
If needed, take laxatives like Dulcolax, Miralax, Isabgol, or stool softeners – but only with doctor’s advice.
When to see a doctor quickly?
If there is blood in stool, heavy pain, sudden weight loss, or constipation for more than 10–15 days.
Note: This information is provided for educational purposes and guidance. Always talk to a doctor before starting any treatment.
