Constipation Problem: Misconceptions That Could Be the Cause of Your Problem!

We asked the General Surgery specialists at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental about common misconceptions regarding constipation…

You must go to the toilet every day. Otherwise, toxins build up in your body.

This varies from person to person. Some people may go to the toilet 3 times a day, while others may go only 3 times a week. To speak of constipation, a person must have fewer than 3 bowel movements per week. If there is only one bowel movement per week, it may be severe constipation. If constipation lasts longer than two weeks, be sure to consult your physician. Some people believe that constipation causes toxic substances in the stool to be reabsorbed by the body, and that diseases such as arthritis and asthma are caused by this; however, this is false.

The solution to constipation is a fiber-rich diet.

Not having enough fiber in your diet often leads to constipation. To prevent this, try to consume at least 20 grams of fiber-rich food per day. Eat fruits and vegetables. Choose whole-grain products instead of bread, pasta and white rice. To avoid gas and bloating, increase your fiber intake gradually. Drink at least 2-4 glasses more water than you usually drink in a day. Do not expect the results of regular fiber intake on the same day; you will start to see improvement after a few days. Although including fiber-rich foods in your diet helps reduce constipation, chronic constipation can be caused by Parkinson's disease, stroke, an underactive thyroid gland, diabetes, or as a side effect of medications you are taking. If your constipation has lasted more than two weeks, or if you have blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or severe abdominal pain, be sure to consult your physician.

Milk can cause constipation!

If you have lactose intolerance, milk may cause constipation. A study conducted on children found that one of the causes of constipation seen in children is lactose intolerance. If you have lactose intolerance, you can drink at least one glass of milk every day.

Swallowing chewing gum can cause constipation!

Although it is very rare, swallowing chewing gum, especially in young children, can cause constipation. Chewing gum that is swallowed in large amounts or in a short period of time can form a blocking mass in the digestive system, especially if it cannot be digested, and can cause constipation. However, this is usually not the case. In other words, swallowing chewing gum once in a while is not harmful.

Travel can cause constipation.

Travel, especially long flights, can cause constipation because it may lead to changes in your daily diet. For this reason, drink mostly liquids, limit your alcohol consumption and eat more vegetables and fruits as much as possible.

Is depression a cause of constipation?

Depression may trigger constipation or make it worse. Try to reduce your stress with techniques such as meditation, yoga and sports. By massaging your abdomen, you can speed up your bowel movements by relaxing the muscles that support your intestines.

One of the causes of constipation is medication.

Some medications used for pain, depression, high blood pressure and Parkinson's disease can cause constipation. Similarly, too much calcium and iron can also cause constipation.

Eat prunes!

This small, dried fruit has gained a great reputation as "nature's remedy" for constipation. Prunes, which are rich in soluble fiber, are loaded with natural laxatives and also help lower cholesterol.

Drinking water reduces constipation.

Drinking plenty of water softens stool, reducing constipation, as well as preventing dehydration. However, consuming too much coffee and tea in the belief that you are drinking liquids may trigger your constipation.

Regular exercise prevents constipation.

Lack of physical activity is one of the factors that trigger constipation. Exercise helps keep bowel movements regular and reduces stress. Give your body time to digest food and exercise at least one hour after eating.

Coffee relieves constipation.

On the contrary, because coffee is a diuretic, it draws fluid from the stool and, as the stool hardens, paves the way for constipation. If you are constipated, do not consume coffee, tea, cola and alcohol.

Enemas relieve constipation.

Although an enema may provide temporary relief, it is not an effective method for preventing constipation. Regular enemas may cause constipation in the elderly.

Laxatives and stool softeners make the bowels work immediately.

Depending on the type of laxative or stool softener you use, it may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to produce a bowel movement. Most laxatives are intended for short-term use. Long-term use of laxatives may lead to other digestive problems.

Castor oil is one of the solutions for constipation!

Castor oil, a powerful purgative, should not be used for long periods, like other laxatives. Laxatives can impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients and some medications. Castor oil can unnecessarily damage the intestines, muscles, nerves and tissues. For this reason, it should never be used without your physician's recommendation.

Constipation is seen only in the elderly.

Due to poor nutrition, greater medication use compared to younger people, and not being sufficiently physically active, older people are more likely to become constipated than younger people. However, constipation is a health problem that can occur in almost every age group, especially after childbirth or surgical operations.

It is normal to have bleeding with constipation.

Blood seen during bowel movements may not always be a sign of a serious disease, but it is a situation you must consult your physician about. Bright red blood usually appears when there are problems in the anal region. Maroon or black blood clots, or tar-colored bleeding, may usually indicate a problem in the upper gastrointestinal system.