Constipation usually happens when the colon becomes extremely dry and it is unable to evacuate waste.
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Constipation has emerged much more common among older individuals than younger ones. The major causes of constipation among older people include lack of normal bowel movements, aging, insufficient intake of proper diet, low fluid intake, lack of sufficient physical activity, illnesses, or use of certain drugs.
Chronic constipation can occur due to insufficient consumption of fruits, vegetable, and whole grains, reduced fluid intake, and sedentary lifestyle. The other major causes may include medications (antacids, iron supplements, and opioids, among others), overlooking the need to defecate, and underlying health issues such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or neurological disorders. Opioid painkillers have reportedly emerged as one of the leading causes of constipation that has impacted many individuals. Sometimes, weakness or uncoordinated muscles in the pelvis can also cause constipation.
According to a study featured in National Library of Medicine, “Constipation is a disorder in the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in the infrequent stools, difficult stool passage with pain and stiffness. Acute constipation may cause closure of the intestine, which may even require surgery.” 1
Constipation has emerged much more common among older individuals than younger ones. The major causes of constipation among older people include lack of normal bowel movements, aging, insufficient intake of proper diet, low fluid intake, lack of sufficient physical activity, illnesses, or use of certain drugs.
Recently, Ayurvedic health coach Dimple Jangda took to her Instagram account and shared some proven natural fixes for chronic constipation. “Constipation usually happens when the colon becomes extremely dry and it is unable to evacuate waste. In Ayurveda, it is called “Vata Imbalance” where vata gets blocked. There is something called “Apana Vata” which is the downward moving wind principle that allows the movement of waste.” 2
Dimple Jangda urged individuals suffering from constipation to lubricate their GI tract, gut, and colon from within. “You need soft, well cooked, warm foods which are mildly spicy, mildly salty, with lots of good fat in it.” Good fats may include clarified butter, which is ghee, or you can even have cashew butter in case if you are vegan. Ghee and cashew butter both have butyric acid which is shock chain fatty acids that the colon loves. It lubricates the colon and allow smooth evacuation of waste. You can start your day with 200 ml of warm water with one teaspoon of ghee and again end your day with 200 ml of warm water with one teaspoon of ghee, added Jangda.
It Ayurveda, it is a powerful purgative laxative that helps in purging out the toxins. Now, it is a combination of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, which help in improving peristalsis, which is downward moving bril principle. You can just take one teaspoon of triphala churnam and 200 ml of warm water or 100 ml of warm water at bed time and sleep over it. This helps in purging out all the toxins. But, remember overuse of it can dry up the colon, which is not good, revealed Dimple Jangda. You can also take Psyllium Husk, which is a great way to improve bulk for the stools and add fibre, and get the waste out of it. It also softens the stool. But, again excess use can dry up the colon. It is better to load up on the fat.
It is internal and external oliation and lubrication. You can do nabhi purana, which involves putting a few drops of castor oil in the naval every night and then put your finger in and massage lightly. There are almost 90,000 nerve endings connected to your navel. This will help in reducing Vata imbalance in the large intestine and colon and allow smooth evacuation of waste. You can also do full body of Abhyanga which is full body oil massage with sesame oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil. You can use any oil available in your kitchen. Do a nice massage involving upward and downward movement, sit in direct sun light, and take a warm shower. This will improve blood circulation, lubricate your joint, muscles, and nerves. It will allow smooth evacuation of waste, added Dimple Jangda.
She concluded the post saying, “remember, your colon is responsible for 90% of the diseases in your body. When you improve your colon health, you improve your gut health and overall health.
FAQs
What are the main causes of chronic constipation according to Ayurveda and modern medicine?
Chronic constipation can stem from insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fluid consumption, sedentary lifestyle, medications like opioids, and underlying health issues such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. Ayurveda attributes constipation primarily to a Vata imbalance, where the 'Apana Vata' wind principle that moves waste downward is blocked.
How do Ayurvedic remedies like Triphala Churnam help relieve constipation?
Triphala Churnam, made from Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, acts as a purgative laxative in Ayurveda. It improves peristalsis, aiding in the downward movement of waste and toxin elimination. However, overuse can dry the colon, so it should be used judiciously, preferably dissolved in warm water at bedtime.
What natural dietary changes can help lubricate the colon and ease bowel movements?
Consuming soft, well-cooked, warm foods with moderate spices, salt, and good fats like ghee or cashew butter can lubricate the GI tract. Ghee and cashew butter contain butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid beneficial for colon lubrication, which facilitates smooth waste evacuation.
Can external therapies improve chronic constipation symptoms?
Yes, Ayurvedic external therapies like 'Snehana' involving oil massages (Abhyanga) with oils such as sesame, coconut, or olive oil can improve circulation, lubricate muscles and nerves, and reduce Vata imbalance. Additionally, massaging castor oil onto the navel area (nabhi purana) stimulates nerve endings to support colon function.
Is there a risk of overusing remedies like Triphala or Psyllium Husk for constipation?
Both Triphala Churnam and Psyllium Husk help soften stools and promote bowel movements, but excessive use may dry out the colon and worsen constipation. It's important to balance fiber and fat intake, emphasizing lubrication of the colon to maintain healthy bowel function.
National Library of Medicine|Chronic constipation
Ayurvedic health coach Dimple Jangda via Instagram|3 natural fixes for chronic constipation
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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