My chronic constipation

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I am a 66-year-old man with a long history of constipation. Having taken a lot of medications for my problem without any improvement, I need your advice on natural ways to handle my problem.

Ahmed (by SMS)

“Constipation” is the medical term for not pooping regularly or finding it hard to poop. Symptoms include feeling bloated or sick and having a stomachache. Constipation does not always have a clear cause. It often happens because a person is not eating enough fiber, drinking enough fluids, or exercising enough. Stress or a change in routine can also cause constipation, and it can be a side effect of some medications.

Many factors can affect the ability to have a bowel movement, including diet, health conditions, and changes in routine. Sometimes, a person may find it difficult to have a bowel movement. Some natural remedies, such as exercise and diet changes, can help people empty their bowels more regularly. Everyone experiences bowel movements differently. The frequency of bowel movements varies, but experts consider the healthy range to be from three times per week to three times per day.

Exercise can stimulate muscles in the lower part of the digestive system. This part of the gut removes waste from the body in the form of stool. A 2019 review of existing research suggests that low intensity exercise, such as taking a brisk walk, can be an effective treatment for constipation.

Not being able to have a bowel movement when necessary can be stressful. Straining or forcing the body to pass stool is not healthy, so trying to relax and take enough time can help. Eating high fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, and making an effort to have regular bowel movements can help prevent constipation.

A diet that contains enough fiber can help keep the digestive system healthy. Drinking enough water helps soften stool, making it easier to pass. Recommendations on the amount of water an adult should drink vary. However, on the average, an average adult should aim to drink 6–8 glasses of water per day. Aiming to have a bowel movement around the same time each day can help some people pass stool regularly. A person should try to go when the urge first arrives. Delaying pooping causes the body to reabsorb the water, which leads to harder stool that is more difficult to pass.

The body needs time to digest food, so a person should allow some time to pass before trying to poop after a meal. Regular mealtimes help with regular bowel movements as well. In some cases, being unable to poop regularly could indicate an underlying medical condition. A person should consult a doctor if they are experiencing the following symptoms in addition to not being able to poop regularly: blood in the stool, stomach bloating that lasts a long time, frequent tiredness as well as unexpected weight loss.

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