The digestive system is one of the most important systems in our body, since it allows us to obtain enough nutrients for the body to continue functioning and survive. But our body does not absorb all of the food, generating a series of waste after digestion that we will later expel in the form of feces.
However, it is possible that at some point and due to various circumstances we are not able to excrete said waste, which accumulates in the final part of the digestive tract, or despite being able to do so, it is done with difficulty. This is known as constipation, which can cause great discomfort and even be dangerous if there is an accumulation of feces inside us. It is because of that Throughout this article we will see different remedies for constipation
In order to take into account what problem we want to act on, it is relevant to briefly mention what constipation is or what it entails.
We give the name constipation to the medical condition in which defecation and passage of fecal waste does not occur as frequently as usual, generally due to the existence of hardening and excessive dehydration of the feces. This is usually considered the existence of difficulties defecating at least one in four times or the absence of evacuation for three or more days.
Constipation can have a large number of origins, from a low-fiber diet to different functional problems of the excretory organs or even the existence of various diseases of which it can be a symptom. Also the existence of nervous activation such as stress and anxiety can contribute to its appearance.
Although constipation is generally a temporary problem (although there are people who have chronic constipation), the truth is that it usually causes discomfort such as pain if you manage to defecate, feeling of being full or gastric discomfort In those cases in which the expulsion of feces does not occur, some type of intervention will be necessary, whether at a pharmacological level, through diet or even in extreme cases through surgical procedures, since it can end up causing serious problems for the body. health.
Different remedies for constipation
Below we indicate a series of different remedies recommended to promote the expulsion of feces and relieve or eliminate constipation.
1. Hydrate
One of the problems that constipation usually generates is the dehydration of fecal waste and of the subject himself. Drinking enough water is not an absolute guarantee of not suffering from constipation, but it is essential to stay hydrated so that the body does not look for the water it needs in elements such as feces: This hardens them and makes their passage difficult.
2. Eat fiber
Another of the elements that most regularly makes us go to the bathroom It is the consumption of foods rich in fiber, such as cereals, legumes, nuts and fruit.
The existence of stress and anxiety can greatly hinder excretion, which is why it is useful to perform different relaxation techniques. Among them we can find breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation or alternatives such as mindfulness.
4. Get massages
Another way to promote the motility of our intestines is through mechanical stimulation, through various abdominal self-massage techniques. Gentle pressure should be applied along the digestive tract and it is advisable to apply circular movements.
5. Resort to physical activity
Another possible remedy for constipation to take into account is performing physical activity, which helps stimulate the body. Among those that are considered most helpful are running, dancing or swimming. Activities that include direct exercise of the abdominal area, such as performing sit-ups, can also help.
6. Nutrition: use of foods with laxative and probiotic properties
There are a large number of foods that have the ability to stimulate intestinal transit and facilitate defecation. Plums, oranges, bananas, honey, apples, lettuce, broccoli, raisins, papaya, lentils, licorice or yogurt are useful examples, as well as any food that includes a high fiber content. . Generally we are talking about fruits, vegetables and cereals
7. Use of laxative drugs
Beyond the above and if the rest of the options do not work, you can resort to the use of laxatives synthesized at a pharmacological level, like Dulcolax or Microlax Of course, it must be taken into account that its use must be sporadic and limited to specific moments, since if continued long-term consumption is carried out, it can cause our body to reduce its capacity to generate intestinal motility naturally or different side effects. of variable severity.
