Thursday, March 7, 2002, Chandigarh, India

 

L U D H I A N A   S T O R I E S


 
HEALTH
 

Ways to avoid constipation

CONSTIPATION occurs when bowel movements are difficult. It may be accompanied by cramping and pain in the rectum from the strain of trying to pass hard, dry stools. There may be some bloating and nausea. There may also be small amounts of bright red blood on the stool caused by slight tearinG, as the stool is pushed through the anus. Constipation may be due to a variety of causes. Lack of fibre and inadequate water in the diet are common causes. Other causes include lack of exercise, travel, delayed bowel movements, medications, pain due to hemorrhoids and overuse laxatives of Children may ignore the urge to pass stools because they are involved in play activities. Stress related to toilet-training may also contribute to constipation in young children.

Prevention and general remedies:

* Drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day.

* Relax and enjoy your meals.

* Eat plenty of high fibre foods such as fruit, fresh vegetables and whole grains.

* Exercise regularly.

* Establish a regular time to go to the bathroom and do not ignore the urge to go.

* Avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Do not take junk food daily.

* Take lime water, mixed vegetable soup, before meal daily.

* Use very mild laxative. Do not use mineral oil or any other laxative for more than two weeks without consulting your doctor.

* For babies give one to two ounces of water before feeding.

* Ayurvedic medicines like triphla powder, sat isabgol, panchaskar churna, murabba, harar, gulukand (desi) and munaka, are also helpful in constipation.

Dr Anil Dheer

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