In a world filled with processed and modified foods, unhealthy lifestyles and lack of exercise, digestive problems disturb the quality of life in many people. Here are five ways then, that can help alleviate constipation.
1. Drink loads of water Drinking water will soften your stools and help them pass easier. It's best to avoid excessive caffeine intake and making the switch to herbal and green tea is recommended. 2. Don't overeat Only eat when hungry and let your body deal with the food you've already consumed. Don't think that eating more will help 'push' it all out. Your body has to break down the food you've eaten and digest it. Eating more needlessly will overburden your digestive system. If you are hungry, wait till your stomach rumbles which is the sure message your body gives you to indicate that it's time to eat again. And speaking of eating, bananas and dates are known to be good for constipation. In any case, you should try to avoid processed and heavy foods. Stick to pure, wholesome food consisting of mainly fresh fruit and veg as far as is possible. In no time, you'll see how easier you pass your stools. 3. Go for morning walks and exercise more. Those who are stuck indoors, behind the desk all day long are likely to be plagued with this problem more. Man was created to move around and use the body. Taking walks or even any light exercise helps move the bowls and speed up the digestive process. A ten minute walk after a meal can do wonders. Needless to say, good diet and regular exercise = excellent elimination. 4. Sleep properly The body needs energy to function and it needs even more energy to eliminate waste if you are constipated. Sleep renews your energy and can help relieve constipation. The key is to always have adequate sleep. Not too much and not too less. Too much unnecessary time in bed is even worse than sitting at the desk all day. Don't oversleep yet make sure you are well rested. If you haven't had sufficient rest, then the body won't be able to function optimally. Striking the balance is key here. Everyone is different though and different people need various amounts of sleep which is why I won't give a figure here. The important thing to remember is that the quality of sleep is more important than how many hours you get. As long as you are adequately rested then that is enough sleep for you. 5. Relax and relieve stress It's a stressful world out there and stress can be a key contributor to constipation. The body and mind are linked so if the mind is stressed then the body will not function as well as it normally can. Exercise is good for relieving stress, as is deep shallow rhythmic breathing. Remove stress to allow for a clean, contented heart, mind and body. A disclaimer: I am not a health expert or dietitian by any means. The tips above are my recommendations based on various literature and personal experience.
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AuthorAtif Rashid writes about faith, extremism & mental health. Categories
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August 2021
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