Constipation is a very common problem that is generally associated with abdominal pain. The causes of abdominal pain related to constipation are varied such as certain lifestyle changes, side effects of the medicines that you are taking, or certain underlying medical conditions that need treatment. The uncomfortable abdominal pain due to difficulty in passing out bowel can affect our daily living. Thus, it needs to be attended to if it's affecting you.
Causes of Abdominal Pain and Constipation
Supplements and Medicines
Some of the medicines and supplements that contain iron and calcium are the causes of abdominal pain and constipation. Such medicines and supplements are:
- Some antidepressants
- Pain killers
- Antacid
- Medicine to control muscle spasm
- Diuretics
- Pain-relieving medication for narcotics
- Medication to control seizure
- Calcium channel blocker
- Anticholinergics
- Anticonvulsants
- Antispasmodics
Stress and Anxiety
Due to the connection between the nervous system and the digestive system which is known as the gut-brain axis, anxiety and stress can lead to difficulty in passing bowel by affecting the bacteria in the gut. Thus, mental health can also lead to abdominal pain and constipation.
Read more: How a Probiotic Diet can Improve Your Gut Health
Scarcity of Physical Activities
It is very important to keep the body working. Regular physical activity leads to easy digestion and smooth passing of the bowel. A stagnant lifestyle is one of the causes of abdominal pain. Physical exercises not only regulate the heart rate but also help in muscle contraction in the intestine. Proper muscle contraction helps in easy movement of the stool out of the body. It has been proved that daily exercise decreases the symptoms of constipation problems and gives relief from abdominal pain.
Unhealthy Diet
Our body demands a proper diet to function effectively. A diet that is low in fiber will cause constipation and abdominal pain. In order to facilitate easy movement of the bowel, one should include fiber in their diet as it helps in making the stool soft and thus easy to pass. It has been proved that including fiber in the diet reduces the symptoms of constipation problems but including fiber in the diet should be gradual rather than all at once. One should give time to the body to adjust to the intake and working of the fiber-rich diet. Also, keep your body hydrated as it helps in losing stool. Avoid making sudden rapid changes in your diet as it will affect your gut and the movement of your bowel too
Medical Conditions
Health conditions such as pregnancy, Parkinson's disease, diverticulitis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism, etc are some of the conditions that cause constipation and abdominal pain. Some of the other major and common health conditions are listed below:
- Inactive Pelvic Muscle: The muscle of the pelvic floor supports the bladder, uterus, and bowel. The inability of the pelvic floor to contract causes difficulty in passing out bowel as well as urine. Factors such as childbirth, obesity, aging, and straining due to constipation cause loosening or seeking of the pelvic muscle.
- Celiac Disease: It is a disease that affects the immunity system of the body when someone consumes gluten. celiac disease damages the small intestine and causes issues with the digestive system. Some of the symptoms of celiac disease are bloating, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, etc.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: In IBS, different digestive issues come up to cause problems together. It is a common condition with symptoms such as gas and bloating, whitish mucus in stool, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Colorectal Cancer: Cancer of the rectum or colon that comes with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, change in bowel habits, etc.
- Other Bowel Problems: There are certain conditions that affect the large intestine and cause abdominal pain such as bowel obstruction, anal fissure, and diverticulitis.
Also Read: SIBO Treatment: Overcome Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Abdominal Pain Treatment
Abdominal pain and constipation usually get cleared up by changing the lifestyle, diet, and medication. Very few abdominal pain treatments use surgery in case of tears in the anus or blockage.
Lifestyle Treatment
- Eat a balanced diet meal with lots of fibre-rich food but increase the content of fibre in your diet gradually. Do not bring sudden changes to your diet.
- Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water every day.
- Exercise and keep yourself in daily physical activities.
- Do not be hard on yourself by pushing the bowel forcefully. Take your time and be patient.
- Take natural probiotics or probiotic supplements in your diet.
- Do not hold on to your bowel movement once the pressure arises.
Medication
There are several over-the-counter medicines available to help with constipation problems
- Laxatives and stimulants help in softening the stool and movement of the bowel
- Lubricants such as mineral oil also help in softening and passing the stool
- Fiber supplements such as Fibercon, Metamucil, Citrucel
- Enemas also help in passing the stool by softening it
- A stool softeners such as docusate and colace
Other Treatments
- Strengthening of The Pelvic Muscle: A training to the pelvic muscles to retract and contract during bowel movement to facilitate easy movement.
- Surgery: Structural problems can be rectified by surgery which is causing constipation. Also, tumors, tears, and blockages can be operated on to treat constipation. However, surgery is only recommended when other treatments or modifications do not work.
Home Remedies for Natural Constipation Relief
Home remedies for constipation with abdominal pains can work wonders in easing digestion symptoms and discomfort. Simple home remedies can be added to your daily routine to ensure timely bowel evacuations and halt depending on medication.
Herbal Teas and Natural Laxatives for Constipation Relief
Natural remedies like herbal tea and laxatives have for centuries won the trust of people to aid digestion, heal bloating, and stimulate bowel movements. These remedies fall on the gentle side of the body when compared to general medication and have added advantages for health. Following is a list of herbal teas and other natural laxatives that might be considered among the top-ranking aids for relieving constipation and improving digestion and the overall health of a person.
1. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is tamed as far as relaxing the digestive tract; hence it serves well for bloating, gas, and mild constipation. Peppermint foam, a type of menthol, is reported to have antispasmodic effects on intestinal cramping and helps in more agreeable evacuation.
2. Ginger Tea
It works as a potent digestive stimulant promoting gut motility and encouraging movement of food through the intestines. Ginger tea contains gingerol and shogaol, which stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and relieve constipation.
3. Senna Tea
An herbal laxative, senna tea has been prepared from the leaves or pods of senna plant. The sennosides cause irritation of the lining of the intestines and promote bowel movement. It is the most-used laxative herb, but one must not take it too often since regular use will lead to dependence.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is believed to pacify the mind and help in digestion. The relaxing effect of chamomile on the gut allows it to remedy bloating and gas as well as mild constipation.
5. Flax Seeds with Chia Seed
They are good for laxatives. Both flaxseeds and chia seeds contain a high concentration of soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They become a thick gel inside intestines with tacky water, which softens stools, allowing easier passage of poop.
6. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice also acts as a natural laxative and soother of the intestines and can also be used in relieving constipation by increasing water in the intestines to stimulate bowel movement. It also has anti-inflammatory factors, which heal the gut lining.
Benefits of Probiotics and Fermented Foods
Role of Probiotics in the Maintenance of Gut Health, in the Process of Digestion, and Also in the Prevention of Constipation. They function by having an effect: restoring the natural balance of gut flora, which becomes essential in smooth digestion and elimination. Unbalanced gut bacteria might come up with signs like bloating, abnormality, and even develop discomfort during digestion or even elimination. It can be introduced to improve gut health, enhance nutrient absorption, and support overall health through probiotics-rich diets.
Yogurt: The Holy Grail of Natural Probiotics
Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics and contains live active cultures such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These probiotics help in the digestion process, reduce flatulence, and help digest food. Consuming plain, unsweetened yogurt regularly will help maintain a healthy gut and prevent constipation.
Kefir: The Fermented Dairy Drink for Healthy Guts
Kefir is a fermented milk drink. It bristles with probiotic strains that help digestion and will buttress the immune system. A well-endowed probiotic supply, it will help maintain a healthy gut microflora, diminish any inflammation in the gut, and promote regularity. Drinking half to one cup of kefir a day will probably enhance digestive health.
Fermented Vegetables: Sauerkraut and Kimchi
Both sauerkraut and kimchi are enriched with several lactic acid bacteria that improve digestion and prevent constipation. They have also been found to contain fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, making them ideal foods for gut health. Even taking 1-2 teaspoons of unpasteurized sauerkraut or kimchi can help improve gut flora and digestion.
Miso and Tempeh: Fermented soy for Enhanced Digestion
Miso and tempeh are fermented products from soybeans that provide natural probiotics supporting gut microbiome diversity. Miso is known to be flavored in soups to enhance digestion. Tempeh is found to be an alternative plant protein which nourishes a healthy gut. This diet includes rich foods as great additions toward healthy maintenance of the digestive system.
Simple Digestive Aid: Apple Cider Vinegar
The apple cider vinegar is known for its capacity of stimulating the digestive enzymes and promoting the growth of an advantageous intestinal flora. The addition of one tablespoon raw, unfiltered ACV to one glass of water during meals can improve digestion and help prevent constipation by making bowel movements more regular.
There is another simple yet effective route in adding probiotic and fermented foods in diet today wherein digestion, bowel movement, and prevention from constipation are taken care of by them. These foods help to balance gut bacteria, reduce bloating, and enhance nutrient absorption, working towards the entire well-being of digestion.
Conclusion
Constipation and abdominal pain make every day uncomfortable. It may be a common problem happening once in a while due to some fluctuation in your daily routine but it might need medical concern if it's happening frequently. If you are facing constipation problems due to consuming certain medicines, your doctor may change the medicines or supplements if you raise the issue. Do not leave it unattended if the pain is persistent and unbearable as it may indicate some underlying concern.
If you are concerned about your constipation and abdominal pain, visit our website Sova Health, and explore our wide range of probiotics and supplements. We guarantee you that you will find relief by using our products and services. Other than that you can also scroll through our blogs and educate yourself about different gut-related concerns.
