Bowel irregularity is a very common problem . In this article, diet and physiological aspects of irregularity and it’s treatment principles would be discussed. Today’s lifestyle as well as eating habits have a major relating this problem.

The Function of the big Intestine

The principal function of the massive intestine (colon) is to remove excess water from meal waste passing into it on the small intestine. When foodstuff passes through the large intestine prematurely, not enough water is ingested by the intestine, and diarrhea results. In contrast, if waste is passed too little by little, too much water is absorbed. This particular results in hard stool and constipation, often leading to stressing.

Fibre, also called roughage or mass, is necessary to promote the say like contractions that move food through the intestine. High dietary fibre foods expand the inside walls of the colon, easing the passage connected with waste. As fibre passes through the intestine undigested, them absorbs large amounts of waters, resulting in softer and heavier stool. This fact illustrates the importance of fibre in our diet plan.

What is constipation?

Constipation is claimed to be present if

Faeces ( stools or motions) become challenging, and difficult or distressing to pass.

The time spent in commode increases compared to your usual. There is a large range of normal ‘bowel habit’. A number of people normally go to the toilet to move motions 2-3 times per day whereas  some individuals, 2-3 times per week is normal. It’s a change from your usual structure that may mean that you are constipated.

Common Causes of constipation

Reduced fibre (roughage)

Not drinking plenty of water 

Medicines- Painkillers (particularly those with codeine), some antacids, some antidepressants, iron drugs, morphine, but there are many others.

Issues – An under energetic thyroid, irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), and conditions that cause poor mobility, particularly in the elderly.

Pregnancy-About 1 in 5 women who are pregnant become constipated. It is because of the hormone changes of pregnancy which slow down the gut movements.

Emotion-There is some evidence to suggest that ‘emotional problems and stress’ can lead to constipation.

Unknown cause (‘idiopathic’). Some people have a good eating habits, drink a lot of fluid, do not need a disease which can cause irregularity, but become constipated. His or her bowels are said to be ‘underactive’. This is very common. Most cases occur in women. Treatment plans tends to start in childhood or even in early adulthood, and continue throughout life.

 

Prevention of bowel obstruction

Constipation is best avoided. Easy it really is by

Eat plenty of fiber by eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, cereals, fruit juice, wholemeal bread, etc.

Have plenty to sip – at least two litres (about 8-10 cups) of water per day. Most sorts of sip will do, but alcoholic products can be dehydrating and may not so good.

Exercise regularly if possible. Keeping your body active helps to keep a person’s gut active.

Toileting. Do not disregard the feeling of needing the toilet. Some people suppress this feeling if they are occupied. It may result in hardening in addition to backlog of faeces that may become challenging to pass later.

Treatment of constipation

Treatment with a laxative is required only if the measures over (fibre, fluid, etc) do not work well. There are four main groups of laxatives that work in a different way:

Bulk-forming laxatives (Fibre supplements).

Catalyst laxatives.

Osmotic laxatives.

Faecal (stool) softener laxatives.

As a rule, a natural should be used only for a short while, when necessary, to get over a spell of constipation. Once the constipation eases, you should normally halt the laxative. Some people wind up in the habit of taking a healthy laxative each day to ‘to keep the bowels regular’ or even to ‘prevent constipation’. This is not advised, except for size forming (Fibre ) laxatives.

Bulk-forming stimulant laxatives (fibre supplements)These enhance the ‘bulk’ of your faeces similar to fibre. They’re able to have some effect within 12-24 hours. However, their full influence may take some days to produce. Unprocessed bran is the cheapest. Alternatives are ispaghula husk(Isabgol), methylcellulose and sterculia.

Food fibre and bulk-forming laxatives work through absorbing water (a bit like blotting paper). The combination of bulk-forming laxatives along with fluid usually produces tender, bulky faeces which should be easy to pass out. Therefore intake of high amount of fluids [at lowest two litres per day (8-10 glasses)] is mandatory with nutritional fibre laxatives. If fluid take in is insufficient, the faeces can become dry and lead to irregular bowel movements instead. Sometimes high fiber intake may cause an  increase in wind turbine (flatulence) and abdominal stomach ache. This is normal and is likely to settle down after a few months as being the gut becomes used to the increase in fibre

There are two types of dietary fiber: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fiber is effective at increasing stool measurements and bulk and helps reduce constipation and thus prevents hemorrhoids and fissure. Insoluble fibers also lessen the risk of colon cancer plus diverticulosis.  Insoluble fiber includes wheat wheat bran, whole cereal grains and fresh vegetables. On the other hand, soluble fiber forms a gelatin-like substance in the intestines and increases the water content within stool. Soluble fiber decreases blood cholesterol and results in a lower bloodstream sugar levels after meals for diabetes sufferers. Soluble fiber is found in citrus fruit, beans (dried beans and peas), oats, barley as well as “gums” which are found in oatmeal as well as dried beans.

Stimulant laxativesThese stimulate your nerves in the large digestive tract which causes the muscle in it is wall to squeeze trickier than usual. This pushes the actual faeces along and out. Stimulant laxatives include senna (Softovac), bisacodyl, phenolphthalein, castor oil, sodium picosulphate(Cremalax) and dantron. Their effect is due to 8-12 hours. Therefore, a sleeping dose is recommended so that you have the urge to go to the toilet the following evening. Stimulant laxative suppositories act faster (within 20-60 minutes). Possible side-effects via stimulant laxatives include ab cramps, and a ‘weakened’ bowel (‘lazy bowel’) using long-term use.

Osmotic laxatives These deliver the results by retaining fluid from the large bowel by osmosis (consequently less fluid is made available to the bloodstream from the substantial bowel). A commonly used some may be called lactulose (Loose). However, this could take up to two days to have any effect so it is not suitable to the rapid relief of bowel problems. Possible side-effects of lactulose include belly pain, bloating and an annoying taste. Another osmotic laxative is termed polyethylene glycol (Peglec). This usually has a quick action.

Faecal softeners These work by simply ‘wetting’ and softening the faeces. By far the most commonly used is docusate sodium (Dulcolax) in addition to liquid paraffin(Cremaffin, Agarol). Possible side-effects include leaks from the anus and bothersome the skin, and interfering with your absorption of some vitamin supplements from the gut.

When tests need to be done for constipation

If regular constipation is a brand-new symptom, especially in people above the age of 40 years and there is no obvious cause such as a change in eating plan, lifestyle, or medication.(To rule out cancer)

If symptoms tend to be severe and persistent.

If associated with other symptoms just like passage of blood coupled with motions, pain, weight loss, bouts of diarrhoea, or other mysterious symptoms in addition to constipation.