Constipation is one of the most common and troublesome digestive problems that affects us adversely and reduces the quality of life to a great extent. If left unaddressed, it may cause great discomfort, bleeding, pain and may or may not be accompanied by other health issues such as piles, fissures etc.
What is constipation?
There are two kinds of constipation: chronic and acute. Chronic constipation is eliminating through the bowels less than once a day over a long period of time – weeks, months, and years. Acute constipation is when a person has healthy bowel movements of 1- 4 times daily, depending on their individual constitution, and they experience a reduction in the frequency of bowel movements (skipping a day or alternating days).
Why do so many people suffer from constipation these days?
Modern lifestyles are often not supportive of our health. Sitting too much, dehydration, eating too often and spending too much time inside – these are all common behaviours that lead to chronic constipation and larger issues with digestion and well-being. When we work with the natural design of the body through the holistic healing system of Ayurveda, we can re-establish our relationship with nature’s rhythms, resolve constipation and reclaim our health.
How can Ayurveda help?
Ayurveda is a natural healing system that helps you attain true long-term health and wellbeing. Ayurveda is a powerful approach to self-healing because it views the human being in a holistic sense, considering the relationship between mind, body, spirit and nature. This complete science addresses the root cause of health issues like constipation through practical, natural methods which leads to true healing.
Follow these simple tips for improvement in your elimination.
Include ‘ Desi Ghee ‘ in your diet.
Once, ghee used to be an essential part of our kitchens and used in every meal. Things have changed in the modern world and people are more influenced by disinformation in articles that call it fattening.
In reality, Ghee is a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Not only this, it’s a natural, effective lubricant that helps ease bowel movements as well.
Drink raisin water
Soak 1/8 cup of raisins in 1 cup of water overnight and consume the liquid on an empty stomach in the morning. The liquid provides sweetness and hydration along with potassium, calcium, and iron which all support elimination and the digestive process.
Go light on Dinner
Our body’s metabolism rate is at it’s lowest at night. This is because the body goes in to reparation mode at night which is why keeping the stomach light is very important. Therefore, avoid eating after 7 pm and stick to light meals like vegetable dalia (oats), khichdi (lentils and rice) with a spoonful of ghee, warm vegetable soups etc.
Be active
A sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on our health in a big way and it affects our digestive systems too. It’s important to be active. Take a stroll after every meal to help aid digestion. Lead an active lifestyle. Simple things like doing household chores, a small walk, some yoga can go a long way in helping you maintain activity levels in your daily routine without the need for taking time out for a gym session etc.
Avoid white flour
White flour (maida) can be very difficult to digest and tend to make constipation worse so it’s best to avoid any baked products (white bread, pizzas, burgers, cakes and other confections) or dishes (bhaturas, noodles, pasta) altogether or greatly reduce their consumption.
Follow these simple tips as these are important lifestyle changes to adopt that can help ease constipation. If you are a chronic patient of constipation, we at SKK Ayurveda have the perfect treatment plan for you based on your individual prakriti. Get in touch with us and we can surely help you achieve good digestion and bid farewell to constipation.