Prolonged stress can cause constipation

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor of Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital


Maybe you don't know, problems related to emotions, mood affect the functioning of the digestive system, specifically constipation, when you are stressed will clearly dominate constipation sharp.

1. Why can prolonged stress cause constipation?

Prolonged stress can be the cause of constipation because:
1.1 The digestive system is not a priority function To protect the body, when stressed, the body's priority functions such as nerves, circulation, internal organs, etc. details will be activated. Digestion is not a priority function so it slows down and can cause constipation.
1.2 Imbalance of intestinal microflora The golden ratio of the intestinal tract is 85% good bacteria - 15% bad bacteria. If this ratio is reached, the intestinal tract will be considered healthy. When stressed, beneficial bacteria in the body decrease, causing an imbalance in the intestinal microflora, thereby causing abdominal pain, indigestion and constipation.
1.3 Due to behavioral disorders, habits Prolonged stress will make you change your habits such as being inactive, drinking less water,... All contribute to affecting the digestive system and can cause constipation .

2. How to reduce stress?

Constipation if not treated can lead to complications such as hemorrhoids, colorectal enlargement, intestinal prolapse, malnutrition. When stress leads to constipation, the most important thing is to limit and manage stress.
Here are some ways to help you manage stress better.
2.1 Find out the causes of stress Need to find out what the cause of your stress is. This will help you decide exactly what to do to limit stress, not let stress affect your life.
2.2 Breathe deeply This is a wonderful stress reliever. Even if you are busy with work, try taking a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing. You will surely be surprised by the benefits it brings.
2.4 Meditate Daily, meditation will help reduce anxiety by regulating the neural activity of the brain, thereby helping you to reduce stress and manage stress better.
2.5 Massage Wrap a warm towel around your neck and shoulders. Maintain for 10 minutes and remove the towel. Take a tennis ball and place it between your back and a wall. Back and ball apply light pressure for about 15 seconds.
Move the ball between the back and the wall to create a massage effect, which helps to reduce stress effectively.
2.6 Listening to music Listening to music helps you to relax, relax your mind, reduce anxiety.
2.7 Actively exercising, sports Sports helps to release expended energy and helps the body increase the production of neuroendocrine chemicals in the brain, making the body euphoric and pain-relieving. You can apply yoga exercises, walking or some stretching exercises.

3. Additional measures to combat constipation

If stress relief doesn't work and you're still constipated, here are a few supplements to help treat constipation:
3.1 Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits You need to increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Diet to improve digestive system function. Fresh vegetables and fruits will help you do this.
3.2 Drink plenty of water You should drink at least 8 glasses of water or other caffeine-free beverage per day. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
3.3 Taking a laxative You can try a laxative that works to increase the amount of fluid in the intestines, which helps make stools softer and relieves constipation. However, these medications can be effective, but need to be used under the direction of your doctor.
3.4 Going to a medical facility
If after taking the above measures but still not effective, you should go to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

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