Constipation is a familiar condition that many people suffer from. Although it is not a particularly serious disease, it can have a significant impact on a person's body. So, what causes constipation? Let's find out together.
Causes of Constipation
1. Large Intestinal Diseases: Conditions such as allergic colitis, diverticulitis of the large intestine, and congenital megacolon can cause spasms and abnormal motility of the large intestine, leading to poor passage of stool and constipation.
2. Dietary Factors: Some people eat too little, or their diet is too refined and lacks sufficient fiber and moisture. This fails to provide adequate stimulation to the intestines, causing food residue to stay in the intestines for too long and become dry. As a result, the fecal residue entering the rectum is too small in quantity to form enough pressure to stimulate nerve receptors and trigger the defecation reflex, leading to constipation.
3. Irregular Bowel Habits: Some people neglect the habit of regular bowel movements; or they delay defecation due to factors like life, work, or travel; or they intentionally prolong the interval between bowel movements due to anal diseases, fearing pain and bleeding. These behaviors can dull the pressure response of nerve cells on the rectal wall to the presence of stool, causing the stool to remain in the rectum for an extended period without triggering the urge to defecate, thus forming habitual constipation.
4. Narrowing of the Intestine or External Pressure: Intestinal tumors and chronic inflammation can narrow the intestinal lumen; megacolon can cause spasms and narrowing of the rectum; large abdominal tumors such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, pregnancy, ascites, etc., can compress the large intestine. These conditions can obstruct the passage of stool, causing it to remain in the intestine for too long and form constipation.
5. Medication Effects: Taking medications such as calcium carbonate, sucralfate, atropine, propantheline, morphine, diphenoxylate, bismuth subcarbonate, etc., can all cause constipation. Additionally, the abuse of laxatives can reduce the excitability of the nerve cells in the intestinal wall. Even when there is a sufficient amount of stool in the intestine, normal peristalsis and the defecation reflex cannot be triggered, leading to顽固性 (stubborn) constipation.
6. Insufficient Defecation Power: The elderly, the weak, or those who are bedridden for a long time, or postpartum women, may experience weakened contraction strength of the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and anal sphincter, leading to reduced abdominal pressure and insufficient power for defecation. This can result in incomplete evacuation of stool and residual fecal matter, causing constipation. This is why the elderly are prone to constipation.
7. Psychological Factors: Strong mental stimulation, excessive emotional tension, fear, anxiety, or intense concentration can diminish the urge to defecate, leading to constipation.
Using Fruits to Relieve Constipation Depends on Individual Constitution
When it comes to fruits that relieve constipation, many people think of bananas first. In reality, this is not the case.
Although bananas contain a large amount of dietary fiber that can help lubricate the intestines and promote bowel movements, only ripe bananas have this effect. Unripe bananas contain a large amount of starch, pectin, and plant acids, especially tannic acid. Tannic acid has a strong astringent effect. Therefore, eating unripe bananas can worsen constipation.
Generally, to relieve constipation by eating fruit, one must consider their individual constitution and the nature of their constipation. People with a "heaty" constitution should eat "cooling" fruits, such as watermelon, melon, papaya, pear, pomelo, orange, banana, mulberry, water chestnut, and kiwi. People with a "cooling" constitution should eat "heaty" fruits, such as cherries, tangerines, and jujubes; people with a "neutral" constitution have more choices, but pineapple and sugarcane are most suitable for them.
Dietary Therapy Recommendations for Relieving Constipation
1. South Almond and Snow Pear Stew
Preparation: Soak 15g of south almonds, wash, peel, and remove the tips. Peel and cut 150g of snow pear into coarse pieces. Place the south almonds, snow pear, and an appropriate amount of white sugar in a stewing pot. Steam for 1 hour. Let it cool, then drink the soup and eat the pear. Effect: Relieves lung congestion and moistens the intestines to promote bowel movements. Not suitable for diabetics.
2. Sesame Oil Mixed with Taro Leaves
Preparation: First, wash the taro leaves, then blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes. Remove, add sesame oil, and mix well to eat. Take twice a day for one consecutive week. Effect: Lubricates the intestines, softens stool, and promotes bowel movements.
3. Spinach and Pork Blood Soup
Preparation: First, bring 500ml of water to a boil. Add diced pork blood and bring to a boil again. Then add 250g of washed spinach and cook until tender. Add vegetable oil and a small amount of salt to season and eat. Effect: Moistens the intestines to promote bowel movements.
4. Banana Porridge
Preparation: Wash 50-100g of rice and cook it in a clay pot to make porridge until it reaches about 600ml. Peel 200g of bananas, cut into small pieces, and add to the porridge. Add honey and cook together until done. Let it cool and eat on an empty stomach. Effect: Clears heat and moistens the intestines to promote bowel movements.
5. Honey Sweet Potato
Preparation: First, wash the sweet potato, cut into pieces, and steam or cook until done. Place the cooked sweet potato in a bowl and drizzle with honey to eat. Effect: Tonifies Qi, moistens the intestines, and promotes bowel movements.
6. Fo-ti and Cassia Seed Tea
Preparation: First, wash 30g of Fo-ti and cassia seeds. Then, crush the cassia seeds and place them with the Fo-ti and jujubes in a clay pot. Decoct in water to make a tea for drinking. Effect: Nourishes the blood and moistens the intestines to promote bowel movements.