Constipation (constipation): Info & specialists

Constipation is also known as constipation, intestinal sluggishness and constipation. It is defined as a significant delay in defecation compared to the individual normal case. The stool is hard and dry and difficult to evacuate. Constipation can be accompanied by a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain or flatulence. In many cases, a change in lifestyle can bring improvement.

Here you will find further information and selected specialists for constipation.

What are the possible causes of constipation?

• Diet low in fiber
• Too little fluid intake
• Too little exercise
• Mental strain, hectic, stress
• Change in diet during or after a trip
• abuse of laxatives
• side effects of medication
• Pregnancy (hormonal changes)
• Certain illnesses, e.g. diabetes mellitus

Causes of acute (sudden) constipation can also be

• Intestinal tumors,
• disorders of bowel movement (peristalsis) after operations and
• suppression of defecation due to pain caused by diseases of the anal region

can be.

When constipated, the bowel no longer works properly © michaelheim | AdobeStock

What to do with constipation?

If you suffer from chronic constipation, you should review your lifestyle habits and change them if necessary. Essentially, this involves

• eating more fiber,
• drinking more and
• exercise more.

Change your diet to a high-fiber diet with at least 30 g of fiber per day. To allow the intestines to get used to the change, it should take place slowly over several days or weeks. The bloating and discomfort that may occur at the beginning usually disappear after about one to two weeks.

Replace white flour with wholemeal flour, e.g.

• wholemeal bread,
• unhulled rice,
• wholemeal pasta.

It is also advisable to include more fruit, vegetables and pulses in your diet. You can eat soaked baked fruit in between meals. You can also enrich your diet with wheat bran, oat bran and linseed meal.

Dietary fiber can only perform its function if sufficient fluids are available. You should therefore drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid at the same time.

Only if these measures do not work should you use a laxative. However, long-term use of laxatives can cause serious damage to your health. Intestinal activity can then be further reduced and chronic intestinal diseases can develop. The renewed use of laxatives creates a vicious circle. You can also become dependent on them.

You should therefore always discuss the use of laxatives with your doctor.

If, in addition to constipation

• other symptoms occur,
• severe pain or
• blood in the stool

you should also consult a doctor.

Other measures that can help with chronic constipation

• Daily intake of foods with a laxative effect, e.g. sour milk products (yoghurt, quark, soured milk) and sauerkraut
• Limit consumption of low-fiber foods such as fine flour baked goods and pastries, sugar, chocolate, etc.
• Adequate breakfast or a glass of cold fruit juice
• Regular exercise such as cycling or walking. Movement stimulates the intestinal passage of food and therefore also bowel movements.
• Yoga and other relaxation techniques such as autogenic training
• Rising and alternating warm foot baths and cold water stimuli to stimulate bowel activity
• Fasting week. Fasting stimulates the metabolism and often also regulates bowel activity in the long term