What is the Constipation?
Constipation is one of the most common health conditions. It refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. You could suffer from symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating and feeling of fullness.Dealing with irregular bowel movements, passing dry, lumpy, or hard stools, and taking longer time than usual to pass stools. This struggle against constipation may be tough for anyone.
Complications in constipation may include distension, discomfort, flatulence, pain, headache, bad breath, and it may also lead to absorption of toxins from the colon.
According to the Ayurveda, in ancient science, constipation is a vata condition that expresses dryness. It is generally caused by insufficient water and fibre intake in the diet, lack of exercise, heavy meat eating, and numerous other factors.
So, it is best to keep vata dosha in balance with other doshas. In this article we will tell you some simple diet tips that may help you prevent constipation and keep your digestive system healthy.
Below are some of the common reasons for Constipation
Constipation can occur due to slow contractions that delay the passage of stools. This may be due to stress or a change in your daily routine.Drinking less water can cause the stool to become tighter, thereby leading to constipation.
Consuming a diet that is low in fiber content stress can be a major key factor that many people ignore.Leading a sedentary lifestyle and not getting enough activity can disturb body metabolism and leads to constipation.
An imbalance in the Apana Vayu can affect the colon movement and impact the working of its muscles. Constipation is the result of Vata Imbalance in the body as Apana Vayu is a type of Vata dosha that regulates downward movement.
This issue can happen to people of all ages and needs a more natural and holistic approach to solve it. In the Ayurvedic Treatment of Constipation, it is recommended to use herbal formulations.
Excessive use of medications like painkillers and antacids can sometimes cause constipation. This can occur during pregnancy because of hormonal changes in the female body.Ignoring the need to pass stools can also cause constipation.
Abrupt changes in your daily routine like traveling or not sleeping at the right times, or not getting enough rest can cause constipation.
What does Ayurveda say about Constipation?
According to Ayurveda, any irregularities in the body are caused due to imbalance in the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas in the body.
An imbalance in the Apana Vayu can affect the colon movement and impact the working of its muscles. Constipation is the result of Vata Imbalance in the body as Apana Vayu is a type of Vata dosha that regulates downward movement.
This issue can happen to people of all ages and needs a more natural and holistic approach to solve it. In the Ayurvedic Treatment of Constipation, it is recommended to use herbal formulations.
Since these herbs offer no side effects and are natural, this makes the ayurvedic treatment for constipation much more effective in the long run.
The solution? Go upside down. Inverted postures, such as viparita karani (legs up the wall pose), reverse the flow of prana in the body for better integration and less flightiness. Physically, these poses wake up the lower belly and settle the organs in the pelvis that may have been out of place or “stuck.”
You cannot ignore the importance of physical activity. Having a sedentary lifestyle can really hurt your digestive system. Having an increased activity level can help you immensely.
Even going for a walk can help you a lot. You can also practice Yoga as many Yoga Asanas can provide relief from indigestion and constipation.
How to get rid of Constipation with Ayurveda?
Here are the Simple Ayurveda Diet to Prevent from Constipation
- One of the best ways to prevent constipation is to eat a vata-pacifying diet. Stay away from cold foods and drinks, dried fruits, salads and most beans. Instead favour warm foods, warm drinks, and lots of well-cooked vegetables.
- Consume foods rich in dietary fiber such as grains, legumes. Many varieties of fruits are known to ease constipation. Eat a fruit in between your meals; for instance, you could eat a banana, which is said to be a mild laxative.
- Make sure you eat a ripe banana as they help relieve constipation, as opposed to the green unripe ones that promote constipation. Other fruits you should add to your diet are prunes, apples, pears, kiwi, figs, guava, oranges
- Another remedy is to consume triphala, a combination of three herbs that are beneficial for all doshic types. All you need to do is to take about half to one teaspoon of triphala and steep it in a cup of hot water for five to 10 minutes and drink it at night.
- Taking one to two teaspoonful of ghee in a cup of hot milk at bedtime is said to be an effective remedy for constipation. It is also suggested to use ghee or organic oils while cooking.
- Sip on warm water throughout the day. It is important that you consume enough water throughout the day. Start your day with a glass of warm water and lemon instead of taking bed tea or coffee. Warm soups or dal soups also can be taken.
- Apple is a fruit that helps regularise bowels. To combat constipation, peel the apple and chew it thoroughly. Add more fibre content in your diet such as oat bran, wheat bran, and fresh fruits and vegetables that help to keep your bowel movement in check.
- At night, before going off to sleep, boil a tablespoon of flaxseed in a cup of water for at least two to three minutes and drink it warm. Adding flaxseeds to your diet may help increase the number of bowel movements each day.
- During bedtime, make yourself a cup of ginger tea and then add two teaspoons of castor oil and drink it. Castor oil is said to be a mild laxative that increases the movement of the intestines, further helping relieve constipation.
- Sound Sleep is very important to treat any disease since sleep rejuvenates the body and heals it. Try to maintain your sleep hours and get stress-free sleep.
- Triphala is one of the most common herbal formulations used to treat constipation in the most natural way possible. This instant constipation relief medicine is a potent blend of dried fruits from highly effective herbs- Amalaki, Bhibhitaki, and Haritaki. It works as a natural laxative and helps improve bowel movement, thereby managing constipation.
- You can consume roasted fennel seeds with warm water. This works as an excellent laxative. Also, castor oil acts as a natural laxative. You can take a spoonful of this oil before bedtime.
A YOGA SOLUTION FOR CONSTIPATION
Vata excess disrupts apana vayu, the downward energy that supports elimination and stability. When vata is out of balance, apana flows upward instead of downward.
The solution? Go upside down. Inverted postures, such as viparita karani (legs up the wall pose), reverse the flow of prana in the body for better integration and less flightiness. Physically, these poses wake up the lower belly and settle the organs in the pelvis that may have been out of place or “stuck.”
You cannot ignore the importance of physical activity. Having a sedentary lifestyle can really hurt your digestive system. Having an increased activity level can help you immensely.
Even going for a walk can help you a lot. You can also practice Yoga as many Yoga Asanas can provide relief from indigestion and constipation.
Ayurveda Therapy
There is also an Ayurveda Therapy called Abhyanga or massage to treat imbalances in the body. Panch-karma therapy can be used that can provide you relief in constipation.Things to avoid as per Ayurveda
Unhealthy eating practices like overeating affect digestive health and thus, need to be avoided. Also avoid the intake of junk foods, fried food, processed food, spicy food, and non-vegetarian items Smoking, consuming alcohol, and taking too much caffeine also needs to be avoided.
Apart from all of these Ayurveda diet tips and home remedies, make sure you eat a healthy diet and stay physically active to keep constipation at bay.
Apart from all of these Ayurveda diet tips and home remedies, make sure you eat a healthy diet and stay physically active to keep constipation at bay.