Constipation has now become a leading and prevalent problem on a global scale due to the adoption of unhealthy diets and lifestyle preferences. It is primarily associated with and caused by a lack of fiber-rich diet, lack of sleep, and overall disruption in daily routine are common. Constipation is categorized under digestive disorder which is defined as infrequent or facing difficulty while passing stools. These are directly linked with symptoms including hard stools, the sensation of anorectic blockage, incomplete evacuation, abdominal discomfort, and stomach bloating. Various studies have shown that the prevalence of this digestive disease is about 15% in the general population and affects more females than males ratio (Constipation: Evaluation and Management (nih.gov)).

How problem of constipation happens? Constipation happens as an outcome of disrupted colon functioning i.e., the colon absorbs more of the water from excretion or waste (stools) thus making stools dry and hard thereby having difficulty while passing through the rectum and anus. If time management is not done can severely cause painful conditions in the worst-case scenario like hemorrhoids and piles thus accounting for serious complications.

There are varietal approaches for treating the disease which vary as per medical practice. Constipation treatment in Ayurveda mainly focuses on treating the disease through its root cause, thus minimizing the probability of recurrence of the discomforting symptoms that reduces the quality of life. Balancing specific doshas (Vata and Pitta for constipation) with Ayurvedic medication accompanied by dietary and lifestyle changes helps in effective recovery and long-term relief from the pain.

Some of the best Ayurvedic tips for digestive system and the treatment procedures which help improve digestive health and thus keep disease discomfort at bay are described below:

Panchakarma Therapy 

Ayurveda includes Panchakarma as the basic procedure which includes a group of five cleansing or purification treatments. It helps to eliminate toxins that build up from time to time in the body. One of the best treatments for constipation is “BASTI” which cleanses the bowel through the use of medicated enemas (Basti). It contains herbal blends suspended in oil or ghee. The liquid preparation flows through a tube that is inserted into the rectum.

Adoption of a Healthy Diet

The most essential aspect that accounts for disease-free living is the adoption of a healthy diet. Constipation is the outcome of improper digestive system functioning which can effectively be managed through certain dietary changes.

Some Ayurveda recommended diet suggestions are:

  • Consume fiber-rich diets such as grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Include spices like garlic, ginger, and turmeric helpful in reducing inflammation.
  • Avoid having processed food, trans fat, and caffeine-based products.
  • Sip on warm water throughout the day.

Lifestyle 

Individual small efforts can help sustain healthy well-being. Lifestyle is categorized as our daily routine activities whose balance is necessary to maintain. A mere fluctuation significantly brings about changes in the body system functioning. Ayurveda recommends best of best lifestyle modifications which when adopted and followed perfectly can be boon for individual to sustain disease-free living.

  • Try to have meal at the same time each day.
  • Drink plenty of water to ease the bowel movement.
  • Include bran cereals like wheat, barley, and oats in your meal.
  • Do regular exercises such as walking, cycling, and jogging.
  • If hungry in between meals rather than heavy eating crack on healthy choices such as raw vegetables and fruits salads.
  • Keep your mind cool and calm.
  • Avoid things that make you lethargic.

Yoga

Our busy and stressful schedules have given rise to diseases. But seeing today’s scenario keeping up with good health is difficult but it should be of utmost priority. To live life without the risk of diseases it is important to keep up with efficient immunity i.e., a step towards a healthier lifestyle. The benefits and value of yoga have increased nowadays and have become the mode to increase flexibility, and balance body, mind, and emotions. Some of the best yoga poses for overcoming constipation are:

  • Vrikshasana
  • Trikonasana
  • Dhanurasana

Ayurvedic Remedies for Constipation

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Herbs are the natural components that are the basis of Ayurvedic medications. They are known for their properties due to the presence of the chemical compound in them which are beneficial for effective and long-term recovery without any worry of side effects.

 

Some best herbs recommended for treating constipation are:

  • Triphala with Ghee
  • Fennel
  • Coriander Powder
  • Senna Powder/leafs

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