What Causes Constipation? What Helps Relieve It?

Constipation is defined as a decrease in bowel movements and difficulty in passing stool. Many people may experience constipation due to dietary habits, changes in daily life, or insufficient fiber intake. If constipation lasts longer than three weeks and is accompanied by symptoms such as severe pain and blood in the stool, it may be a sign of an underlying condition. In such cases, it is extremely important to seek medical support. Technically, having fewer than three bowel movements per week is defined as constipation. However, since the frequency and consistency of bowel movements can vary from person to person, deviations from what is considered normal should be evaluated for some individuals. At this point, other key characteristics of constipation are examined. If the stool is dry and hard, if there is straining during bowel movements, and if there is a sensation of incomplete evacuation of the bowels, then constipation may be present.

What Are the Symptoms of Constipation?

Constipation is characterized by the difficult passage of stool from the body. In addition to this condition, the following symptoms are associated with constipation:

• Having fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Stool that is dry or hard in consistency
• Pain during bowel movements
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Bloating and nausea in the abdominal area
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowels after a bowel movement

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation occurs as a result of the large intestine absorbing too much water from the stool. Excessive water absorption causes the stool to dry out, harden, and thus become difficult to pass. As food moves through the digestive tract, the intestines slowly absorb nutrients. Partially digested food passing from the small intestine to the large intestine transforms into waste. The water contained in the waste is absorbed by the large intestine, solidifying the waste. When constipation occurs, the waste moves more slowly, prolonging the time for water absorption. This leads to the stool drying out, hardening, and becoming difficult to pass.

Lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and medications can contribute to the development of constipation. Not consuming enough fiber, insufficient water intake, and a sedentary lifestyle can all lead to constipation. Changes in travel, eating, or sleeping patterns can also be causes of constipation. Stress, excessive consumption of milk and cheese, and resisting the urge to have a bowel movement can also result in constipation.

Certain medications can cause constipation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as strong pain relievers containing codeine and oxycodone, can increase the complaints of constipation.

In addition to these situations, some health conditions can also play a role in the development of constipation. Health issues such as hypothyroidism, colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, bowel obstruction, and diverticulitis may include constipation as a symptom.

During pregnancy, due to changes in physiological structure, constipation is also a common complaint.

How is Constipation Treated?

In cases of mild to moderate constipation, treatment can be managed at home. However, if constipation is accompanied by a health condition such as bowel obstruction, hospitalization or medical interventions may be necessary.

Constipation is often a health problem that can be treated with lifestyle changes, attention to diet, and reduction of stress factors. Exercise plays a significant role in the treatment of constipation. Light walking can increase bowel mobility. Implementing these changes can lead to a healthier bowel movement routine.

If constipation cannot be resolved through lifestyle changes, doctors may recommend fiber supplements and various medications. Laxatives can be used under medical supervision to reduce constipation complaints. Prescription medications can also be utilized in the treatment of constipation.

In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary for the treatment of constipation. If a structural problem in the colon is causing constipation, the doctor may recommend surgery. Medical conditions such as bowel obstruction, anal fissures, bowel strictures, or rectal prolapse (described as the rectum protruding into the vagina) can be treated through surgical interventions to correct the bowel structure and alleviate constipation.

What Helps with Constipation?

During home interventions for constipation, individuals are advised to make lifestyle changes. At this point, changes in diet and attention to fluid intake are of utmost importance. It is recommended that individuals with constipation increase their daily water intake. Constipation caused by dehydration can be alleviated by consuming an adequate amount of water. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid caffeinated beverages that may cause dehydration. The intake of fruit juices and overly sugary drinks should also be limited.

Individuals experiencing constipation should refrain from consuming processed meats, fried foods, and simple carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta. Instead, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables should be added to their daily diet. This way, daily fiber intake can be increased to support bowel mobility.

What Helps with Constipation During Pregnancy?
The incidence of constipation during pregnancy is quite high. If it persists for a long time, it can cause significant complaints for women and decrease their quality of life. With certain precautions, the development of constipation can be prevented, and the complaints associated with it can be reduced. Adequate fluid intake during pregnancy supports many physiological processes, including bowel movements. Therefore, pregnant women are encouraged to pay attention to their water consumption. Liquids like prune juice can also be beneficial. It is recommended to include fiber-rich foods in the daily diet. A nutrition plan rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be implemented. Physical activities that can be done during pregnancy can also be incorporated into the daily routine. If constipation complaints persist despite these lifestyle changes, the doctor may prescribe laxatives or stool softeners suitable for use during pregnancy.

What Helps with Constipation in Babies?
Babies have weak abdominal muscles and often strain during bowel movements. If soft stool is passed after a few minutes of straining, this situation is not classified as constipation. Difficulty in passing stool does not always indicate constipation. In babies, constipation typically develops when they start eating solid foods. In such cases, adding water and fruit juice to the daily diet can support the baby’s bowel mobility. Apple, prune, and pear juice can be beneficial. If the baby is of the appropriate age, whole grains such as whole wheat or oats can also be added to the daily diet.

What Foods Help Prevent Constipation?

Certain foods can help prevent constipation due to their high fiber and water content. By incorporating them into daily nutrition, they can support daily fiber intake and ensure sustainable bowel mobility. These foods include whole grains, fresh and dried fruits, leafy green vegetables, and dried legumes. Dried plums, oranges, pineapples, strawberries, and mangoes are among the highlighted high-fiber fruits.

Which Foods Can Cause Constipation?

While some foods support daily fiber intake and increase bowel mobility, others may limit fiber consumption and contribute to the development of constipation. Following a protein-heavy diet can lead to insufficient daily fiber intake, which may result in constipation. Processed meat products, those high in refined sugar and salt, and excessive consumption of dairy products can contribute to the development of constipation. The intake of foods high in caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and chocolate, can dehydrate the body and lead to constipation complaints.

Constipation can arise due to lifestyle changes, medical conditions, or medications. It can be managed through dietary interventions, exercise, and increased fluid intake. However, if constipation persists for more than three weeks and is accompanied by various symptoms, it is essential to seek medical assistance.