Having a bowel movement less than three times a week, having thick and dry stools, and having to strain excessively to pass stools—these are what we call constipation. This is a major health problem that makes many people’s day uncomfortable today. Stools become thick when too much water is absorbed from our colon or bowel movements slow down. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind constipation:
Low Fiber Diet: The most important scientific reason for constipation is the lack of fiber in the diet. Fiber helps to give bulk and softness to the stool. The flour, gourd, bakery sweets, fast food, and meat that we eat are completely devoid of fiber. This prevents the stool from moving smoothly through the intestines and causes constipation.
Dehydration: The body uses a lot of water to keep the digestive process running smoothly and to keep the stool soft. When the amount of water in the body decreases, the colon absorbs all the water contained in the food waste. As a result, the stool becomes hard and hard like a stone and is difficult to expel.
Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle: People who sit in front of the computer or in the office for hours on end are more likely to suffer from constipation. When physical activity decreases, peristalsis, the natural movement of the muscles in our digestive tract, slows down. This slows down the movement of stool through the intestines.
Ignoring the Urge: Many people hold back the urge to defecate due to work pressure or lack of a clean toilet. When this happens, the stool stays in the colon for a longer time and the remaining water in it also pulls the intestines. This will then thicken the stool.
Certain diseases and medication use: Diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and IBS, which affect the intestines, can slow down bowel function. Constipation can also occur as a side effect in people who regularly take strong painkillers, iron supplements, and antacids.