Constipation

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AIC’s Constipation Wellness bundle is an expertly curated trio of supplements combines the digestive power of Powerful Digestive Enzymes, the biofilm-busting benefits of Biofilm Care, and the immune-boosting properties of Vitamin C Care to help regulate, comfortable bowel movements, ease digestive stress, and promote a healthy gut.

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Understanding Constipation

Constipation, a common gastrointestinal condition, is characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often accompanied by abdominal discomfort.

This complex disorder can be influenced by a variety of factors, including physical, psychological, physiological, emotional, and environmental considerations. (Gattuso & Kamm, 1993) Affecting individuals of all ages, constipation is more prevalent in females, with an estimated prevalence of 15-20% in the general population. (Gattuso & Kamm, 1993) (Rao, 2008).

Defining constipation, the Rome IV criteria categorize disorders of chronic constipation (constipation persisting for more than 3 months) into four subtypes:

  • functional constipation
  • irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
  • opioid-induced constipation
  • functional defecation disorders
Description

Constipation, a common gastrointestinal condition, is characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often accompanied by abdominal discomfort. This complex disorder can be influenced by a variety of factors, including physical, psychological, physiological, emotional, and environmental considerations. (Gattuso & Kamm, 1993) Affecting individuals of all ages, constipation is more prevalent in females, with an estimated prevalence of 15-20% in the general population. (Gattuso & Kamm, 1993) (Rao, 2008). Constipation may be divided into primary and secondary forms. Primary/idiopathic constipation (Gray, 2011) (Rao, 2008) is the most common type, with no identifiable underlying cause. Secondary constipation, on the other hand, can be attributed to specific medical conditions, medications, or dietary factors. (Gattuso & Kamm, 1993) Defining constipation, the Rome IV criteria categorize disorders of chronic constipation (constipation persisting for more than 3 months) into four subtypes: • functional constipation • irritable bowel syndrome with constipation • opioid-induced constipation • functional defecation disorders A person is diagnosed with functional constipation if they fulfil ≥2 of the following criteria for the last 3 months with symptom onset ≥6 months prior: • straining during ≥25% of defecations • lumpy or hard stools in ≥25% of defecations • sensation of incomplete evacuation in ≥25% of defecations • sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage in ≥25% of defecations • manual manoeuvres to facilitate ≥25% of defecations (e.g. digital evacuation, support of the pelvic floor) • fewer than 3 spontaneous bowel movements per week. They must also not meet criteria for irritable bowel syndrome and rarely have loose stools without the use of laxatives. (Aziz et al., 2020)

The underlying causes of constipation can be multifactorial. Some common causes include: 1. Lifestyle factors - low fibre diet, dehydration, lack of physical exercise, stress, changes in eating habits etc. can cause constipation 2. Medical conditions - hypothyroidism, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, colon cancer, stroke, and irritable bowel syndrome. 3. Medications - opioid painkillers, antidepressants, antacids, iron supplements, diuretics. 4. Pelvic floor dysfunction - also called dyssynergic defecation, which is a disorder of the nerves and muscles involved in defecation. 5. Certain important causes that are often overlooked are microbiome dysbiosis - alterations in the gut microbiome can affect bowel function, Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and lack of species diversity in the gut microbiome, gut infections - parasite infections, gastroenteritis which can in turn alter the intestinal flora. All these factors ultimately affect the gut motility and the ability of the colon to efficiently eliminate waste.

Constipation can present with a variety of symptoms, including: • Infrequent bowel movements (less than 3 per week) • Straining during bowel movements • Difficult or incomplete evacuation • Hard, lumpy stools • Abdominal discomfort or pain • Bloating and a feeling of fullness

Medical management: Laxatives and other prescription medications are often the first-line approach. Different types of laxatives like stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives and bulk-forming laxatives can be used. Be careful with long-term laxative use as it can lead to dependency. (Mari et al., 2020) (Somes & Donatelli, 2013) (Hsieh, 2005). It is important to use it as prescribed by your health care provider since its over use can cause electrolyte imbalances. Dietary changes: A diet rich in fibre including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds can help alleviate constipation. Drinking plenty of fluids is also very important. In general, an anti-inflammatory diet that restricts excessive sugar, processed foods and promotes gut healthy foods can help manage constipation. Mediterranean diet has been shown to help relieve constipation. Prunes and kiwi fruit are natural laxatives that can be helpful (Rao & Brenner, 2021). Diet may be tailored to the individual and their specific underlying cause. Many believe that drinking more water or eating fibre-rich foods can ease their symptoms. However, while helpful, these alone may not be enough, as the underlying issue could be different and requires proper attention. Lifestyle changes: Regular physical activity, stress management, meditation, breathing techniques and maintaining a consistent toilet routine can also help relieve constipation.

Fiber supplements like Psyllium, methylcellulose help add bulk to the stool and draw more water into the intestines. (Gray, 2011) Probiotics like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus help restore healthy gut bacteria and improve motility. Digestive enzymes can aid in enhancing digestion and promoting smoother stool passage when signs of poor digestion are present. Magnesium and Vitamin C have shown potential benefits. Senna, Cascara and Triphala are natural herbal laxatives that help increase bowel movements.

Reference

Gattuso, J. M., & Kamm, M. A. (1993). The management of constipation in adults [Review of the management of constipation in adults]. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 7(5), 487. Wiley. 

Gray, J. R. (2011). What is Chronic Constipation? Definition and Diagnosis. In J. R. Gray, Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Vol. 25, p. 7). Pulsus Group. 

Hsieh, C. (2005). Treatment of constipation in older adults. In C. Hsieh, PubMed (Vol. 72, Issue 11, p. 2277). National Institutes of Health. 

Mari, A., Mahamid, M., Amara, H., Baker, F. A., & Yaccob, A. (2020). Chronic Constipation in the Elderly Patient: Updates in Evaluation and Management. In A. Mari, M. Mahamid, H. Amara, F. A. Baker, & A. Yaccob, Korean Journal of Family Medicine (Vol. 41, Issue 3, p. 139). Korean Academy of Family Medicine.

Rao, S. S. C. (2008). Dyssynergic Defecation and Biofeedback Therapy [Review of Dyssynergic Defecation and Biofeedback Therapy]. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 37(3), 569. Elsevier BV. 

Rao, S. S. C., & Brenner, D. M. (2021). Efficacy and Safety of Over-the-Counter Therapies for Chronic Constipation: An Updated Systematic Review [Review of Efficacy and Safety of Over-the-Counter Therapies for Chronic Constipation: An Updated Systematic Review]. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 116(6), 1156. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Somes, J., & Donatelli, N. S. (2013). Constipation and the Geriatric Patient: Treatment in the Emergency Department [Review of Constipation and the Geriatric Patient: Treatment in the Emergency Department]. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 39(4), 372. Elsevier BV.

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