Constipation must be treated

Each sixth person in the world has a problem with irregular bowel movements, and this unpleasant condition is three times more common in women. Constipation leads to impairment of health of the whole body, so be aware of the dangers and react in time.

Ideally, 12 or maximum 48 hours should elapse between food intake and emptying the bowels. Our body gets rid of toxins and unnecessary unprocessed substances by sending them to the intestines, which are supposed to throw out the waste. But if you suffer from constipation, metabolic waste remains in the intestines, intestinal flora is impaired, and accumulated toxins reach all organs through the blood.

- Daily bowel emptying is one of the foundations of our good health, and constipation, however, impairs the health of the whole body. If the intestines are not regularly emptied, hemorrhoids, bloating, abdominal pain develop, gases along with toxins accumulate in the intestines, followed by headache, malaise. Therefore, be aware of the dangers and react in time - Branislava Daskalović, Master of Pharmacy, CHC Sales Director for Western Balkans at Hemofarm warns.

Constipation is most often caused by a low-fiber diet and excessive consumption of dairy products, especially fatty cheeses, meat, eggs, cured meat products, and food that slows down digestion. Some studies warn that chocolate in larger quantities can cause the disorder. Prolonged sitting, insufficient physical activity, poor habit of holding stool, as well as some medications certainly contribute to the development of constipation.

- Some antidepressants can cause constipation, so if you notice such a problem tell your doctor and ask him/her to change your medication. Constipation can also be caused by some painkillers, antihistamines that we use for the treatment of allergies, as well as medications for the treatment of high blood pressure. For example, diuretics lower the blood pressure by stimulating the excretion of urine, while water is required for softening the stool and emptying the contents of intestines more easily - our interviewee explains.

Some diseases are often accompanied by the appearance of constipation

- Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, depression can often be accompanied by irregular bowel movements. Constipation often develops during pregnancy. American studies from Harvard Medical School in Boston warn that underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism slows down metabolic processes and digestion, so it is recommended that young people who have problems with constipation should check their thyroid function - Branislava Daskalović, pharmacist, says.

Constipation is not a harmless condition and has to be treated.

- First of all, change your life habits. Consume as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible, as well as cooked food and make your meals smaller and more frequent. Drink 2 liters of water daily to prevent dehydration. Get moving, do some work out. Do not delay bowel movements when you feel the need. If all this does not help, ask for medical advice and use exclusively a laxative prescribed by your doctor. Do not use laxatives on your own, especially not for a long period of time, because the laxative abuse can be addictive, which means that your intestines will not function properly without them - Branislava Daskalović from Hemofarm states.