Maintain a good gut-health to stay away from digestive issues
‘Change in diet helps to deal with constipation'
Hyderabad: Constipation is a major problem for millions of people. Chronic constipation can cause diseases such as intestinal inflammation, ruptures and even cancer. That’s why, these days, a lot of emphasis is being laid on maintaining a good gut-health.
Constipation is defined as less than three bowel movements per week and it is because of slow mobility of the large intestine. There are various reasons for constipation like less water intake, a low fiber diet, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, neurological conditions, hormonal disorders, depression and also lack of physical activity.
Pregnant women are found to suffer because of hormonal changes, and the elderly due to aging factors and the decrease in the level of bacteria in their gut as the time taken by food to digest in the intestinal track increases because of age.
‘Promote good bacteria in your gut’: Dr Bhavani Raju
The human gut has over 100 trillion bacteria. A healthy gut is protected by mucosal layer designed to promote good bacteria while acting as a barrier for bad bacteria. And, the type of bacteria found in your gut depends essentially on your nutrient intake.
Dr Bhavani Raju, gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Care Hospitals, says, “Good bacteria is found in kefir, yogurt, miso soup (Japan), kombucha tea (Korea), goat cheese and fermented food items.
Rye bread helps to release more minerals from food. Yogurt contains live bacteria and milk with acidopholus bacteria are probiotic foods that can support or replenish your normal flora.
A healthy flora is vital for prevention of constipation, maintaining primary immunity, carbohydrate fermentation, metabolic function and prevention of allergy and fungal infection in the gut.” Probiotic foods help to minimise the possible side effects of gas and bloating but don’t add them to hot foods, adds Dr Raju.
Good gut-bacteria also help in synthesising of vitamin B-7, B-12 and K. The deficiency of these vitamins can cause diabetes, obesity, hair loss, gray hair, eczema, anemia, ulcers, cancers, autoimmune diseases as well as degenerative disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer.
‘Change in diet helps to deal with constipation’: Dr K. Satya Lakshmi
It is very important to understand the diet history of a patient suffering from chronic constipation, says Dr K. Satya Lakshmi, director of Vemana Yoga Research Institute at the Nature Cure Hospital.
She says, “So the first step is to include roughage in the diet through more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and less polished cereals. Consumption of water is important for softening of stools and hence two glasses of plain water at room temperature helps. Physical activity such as morning walk also helps to activate the bowels.”
There are other therapeutic options like therapeutic fasting, magnesium therapy, bio fruit diet regimentations, colon cleansing therapy, cold or mud packs, tub baths, yoga asanas and kriyas.
Colonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy, lavage or high enemas are all methods of cleansing the colon by gently infusing filtered water via a disposable rectal tube. But Dr Lakshmi adds, “Enemas are given only in acute diseases, during fasting and chronic constipation.”
Laxatives could worsen the issue: Dr B. Prabhakar
One of the suspected causes of severe constipation is the over-use of stimulant laxatives (senna, castor oil, and ayurvedic preparations such as khayam churan). The continuous use of stimulant laxatives damage the nerves and muscles of the colon leading to constipation.
Dr B. Prabhakar, consultant gastroenterologist at Apollo Hospitals, says, “It is not clear how laxatives have caused the damage or whether the damage was existing prior to its use. But the association has made it clear that stimulant laxatives are the last resort and must be used after all non-stimulant treatments have failed.”
Another reason for chronic constipation is medicines given for narcotic pain, anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, iron supplements, calcium, aluminum antacids, aluminum carbonate and others.
Constipation affects the nerves and muscles of the colon badly, whereby, there are blocks and the flow of stools is decreased. Cancer is caused due to the narrowing of the colon and constipation is often found to be one of the major causes of colorectal cancer.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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