What causes constipation? How to prevent it?

Dull complexion, acne spots on the face, small belly, bad breath, etc. These may all be caused by constipation. Intestinal obstruction and frequent blockages make people anxious and unhappy. So, what causes constipation? What are the dangers of constipation? How to treat it? What should we pay attention to in daily life? Let's take a look at it with Encyclopedia Knowledge Network.

Contents of this article:

1. Possible causes of constipation
2. The harm of constipation should not be underestimated
3. Treat constipation based on the symptoms
4. To effectively prevent constipation, eat less of three things
5. Do 3 more things for daily maintenance

Possible causes of constipation

Constipation is a very common disease in today's society. It is related to life and work pressure, mental stress, irregular diet, advanced age, psychological illness, intestinal disease, drug abuse, etc.

Its common symptoms include decreased frequency of bowel movements, difficulty in defecation, hard and small stools, often accompanied by discomfort such as abdominal distension and loss of appetite.

The harm of constipation should not be underestimated

The harm of constipation should not be underestimated. When the elderly exert too much force to defecate, they may faint or suffer from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents. Increased intra-abdominal pressure can cause or aggravate hemorrhoids. Forced defecation can damage the anal canal and cause anal fissures and other perianal diseases. Severe constipation can also lead to intestinal obstruction, intestinal ulcers, urinary retention, fecal incontinence and other diseases.

Treat constipation based on symptoms

The treatment of constipation is mainly to clear the intestines so that the feces can be deformed or discharged. Oral medications, compresses, enemas and other methods can be used.

Patients over 50 years old with a history of long-term constipation and aggravated symptoms in a short period of time should undergo colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of colorectal tumors. For those who abuse laxatives for a long time, colonoscopy can determine whether there is laxative colon or (and) melanosis coli; barium enema contrast is helpful for the diagnosis of congenital megacolon.

To effectively prevent constipation, eat less of these three things

1. Fine food

Refined food reduces the mechanical stimulation of the intestinal wall by food residues in the intestine, which is not enough to cause defecation reflex. Therefore, to relieve constipation, it is necessary to ensure the intake of crude fiber foods, such as corn, purple rice, sorghum, brown rice, etc.

2. Spicy, warming foods

Common spicy and stimulating foods include chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and pepper, as well as warm foods such as lamb, beef, and lychees. After eating, they will aggravate gastrointestinal heat, damage body fluids, make the stool drier, and make defecation difficult.

3. Foods that cause bloating and are difficult to digest

Common foods include sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, etc. These foods will cause gastrointestinal flatulence after being eaten, aggravating the symptoms of constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. You can eat more foods that promote digestion, such as radishes and hawthorns.

Do 3 more things for daily maintenance

1. Massage the abdomen

Spend ten minutes every day doing two exercises. First, rub your belly, one hundred times clockwise and one hundred times counterclockwise. This action can promote intestinal peristalsis and help us defecate. Then pat the belt meridian. The belt meridian is located on the side of the waist. Regular massage here can help adjust the spleen and stomach.

2. Exercise more

Sitting for a long time will increase intestinal pressure and slow down intestinal peristalsis. Appropriate exercise can improve gastrointestinal digestion ability, increase intestinal peristalsis, improve intestinal digestion power, and help defecation.

3. Drink plenty of water

When many patients with constipation go to the hospital for treatment, the doctor will advise them to drink more water. This is because drinking more water will increase the moisture of the intestines, prevent dry stools, and reduce intestinal dryness. Drinking eight glasses of water a day can effectively relieve constipation symptoms.