Introduction
There is no one definition for constipation. In some cases, it is just a symptom of some more serious diseases. In other cases, it would be condition in and of itself. Doctors across the world define constipation as an absence of bowel movements for more than 3 consecutive days. Patients, however, report constipation as any number of features from having hard stools to difficulty in passing them. The American Gastroenterological Association describes constipation as to have any of the following symptoms:
- Occasional passing stools and/or hard stools
- Difficulty to pass stools
- Pain while passing the stools
- Inability of passing the stool even after straining for 10 minutes or more
- The absence of bowel movements for more than 3 consecutive days (prime indication)
Causes and symptoms of constipation
There are many causes, not having enough fiber in the diet, being the major one. If a person is not drinking enough fluid, especially water can also become constipated. Lack of exercises, usage of certain medications like those that are prescribed for iron deficiency, hypertension, high cholesterol, depression or anxiety, tenderness, duodenal ulcer or coughing can also give raise to constipation.
There are some diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or lupus; intestina
l obstruction etc. can get you constipation. Sudden change in lifestyle or routine, such as traveling, stressful thought etc. is also few of the causes. Pregnancy, child birth, and aging are unavoidable circumstances that bring constipation. Ignoring the natural urge to go to lavatory can also lead to constipation.
Apart from its defined feature, there are few more symptoms that one can experience during constipation. Such symptoms are; abdominal distention or bloating, pain in abdomen, loss of appetite, bloody feces (hematochezia), severe urge to defecate (tenesmus) and presence of gas or grease (very runny and greasy diarrhea, which will cause the soiling of undergarments with stool having clay-colored).
If the stools are retained (common in pediatric patient) the stools are felt in the abdomen and markedly during ‘per rectum’ examination. Such kind of constipation requires to be treated immediately. The worst case, however rare, requires surgery.
Triphala and constipation
Triphala is considered as safe and mild laxative. The combination of all three herbal fruits has always remained successful in treating various types of constipation. However, they should not be used on a regular basis since they ought to produce dependency. Intake of dietary fibers or roughage is considered to be breakthrough treatment for the relief from constipation. Such fiber supplements are to be taken with water. Triphala can also be taken with lukewarm water (3-5 gm of triphala powder with half glass of lukewarm water at bedtime).
The composition of triphala
includes three fruits, Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amlaki. Amlaki is proven to be the richest source of vitamin C and hence is highly beneficial for stomach related ailments and it can also enhance the immune system. Haritaki contains abandon amount of Vitamin B-complex that provides protection to the intestines from any damage. Bibhitaki is considered to be good source of vitamin A and is also natural astringent and laxative.