Is It Okay To Live With Constipation?

Dr Sobur Uddin Ahmed & Dr Amritangshu Borkakoty

Can’t go? Then, it is time you asked yourself some basic questions. But, don’t you worry yet. Across the world there are millions of people who suffer from digestive issues or more precisely, constipation. They just cannot go when they want to and even if they can, they need to strain a lot because the output is either hard or small.

Is it okay to live with the condition?

Many people ask this question, either because it is an on and off issue for them or they think it is not a treatable problem. But, those who know there are treatments do not seek help because they often find it below them to talk about such an intricate issue. Like any other medical condition, constipation too needs to be detected and treated at an early stage to prevent further gastroenterological disorders. In other words, it is not okay to live with constipation.

Are supplements a problem?

It is often seen that iron or calcium supplements causing constipation in some people. Constipation is more likely to occur with calcium carbonate supplements than with calcium citrate. So, should you get rid of such supplements? Certainly, no! There are other ways to address constipation issues arising from supplements. Taking fiber-rich food, drinking plenty of water and staying active are some such techniques. But, it would be advisable to complement these with the advice of a physician for improved results.

Should I drink more?

Certainly yes, provided it is plain, clean pure water! Those who have digestive issues should avoid alcohol, fizzy drinks or drinks that contain too much of caffeine. They can only further aggravate the issue. That however does not mean that you should drink five or seven litres of water a day. See a doctor and she will tell you how much water you need to drink. But, people with constipation troubles should definitely increase fluid levels which help easy movement of waste through the intestines. So, for a change why not says cheers to water and stay chilled?

Is stress an issue?

A flip in the brain’s response system can trigger changes in human body. Constipation can be one response, because digestive system in particular is sensitive to stress. So, one would need to find out the source of stress. Does it happen because of frequent travel or due to other reasons? If it is a stress-related constipation, a person would need medical evaluation to fix the problem through a combination approach. So, if you think you are stressed out, then, do not try stretching your luck, seek help instead!

Should I ignore urge?

This is a very important question. For, many people are so busy these days they keep postponing the nature’s call. There are also some who resist the urge because they are averse to using public restrooms. But, whether you do it because you think it can wait or you don’t like using restrooms other than your private one procrastination is bad. If you keep ignoring the urge your body may stop feeling the signals. When you want to go… just go. It does not make sense to put it off. For, this you don’t need to consult any medical professional.

Also Read: How Betel Leaf Can Help with Indigestion Problems Like Constipation and Gastric Pain