HOW TO CURE CONSTIPATION

Q I frequently suffer from constipation. Please advise a treatment and throw light on the causes of the problem.

A Medically, constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements a week. It may be considered severe when there is less than one bowel movement a week. While it is known to affect more women than men, the elderly and kids are most prone. Symptoms include:

Hard or difficult to pass stools which require straining.; infrequent stools, occurring less than three times a week; and, the sensation of incomplete voidance. A person with constipation may also feel that their abdomen is bloated, distended or crampy, or bowel sounds may seem enhanced. There are many factors that can cause constipation. While they differ from person to person, they include an insufficient fibre intake; not chewing food properly; reduced water intake; and abdominal surgeries.

Homeopathy offers a long term treatment for constipation. Chronic constipation results from various constitutional problems such as genetic predispositions, altered sleep patterns, stress, chronic digestion and metabolism issues etc.

Homeopathic treatment is based on the patient's case pattern. It's more directed in treating the cause of the chronic constipation rather than giving a purgative. They are not habit-forming and are all natural in origin.

However, constipation is a condition that is easier to prevent than to cure. Dietary changes such as including more fibre in your diet – at least 25-30g daily by consuming wholegrain cereals and bread, dried fruits, popcorn, nuts, beans, legumes; raw fruits and vegetables. Also remember to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, while cutting down on soft drinks and hard beverages. Exercise too can help.