The Dark Side of Chronic Constipation: Dangerous Complications You Need to Know

Occasional difficulty while trying to pass stool is common, but when it becomes more often than you even dread the thought of straining, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. This is because chronic constipation can come with dangerous complications, which can negatively affect your quality of life.

Did you know stool is composed of about 75% water and 25% bacteria and some dead cells? This is why dehydration is one of the main triggers of constipation. In this article, you will learn about the dangerous complications associated with chronic constipation and what you can do to ease bowel movement.

Types and Causes of Chronic Constipation

Constipation typically occurs due to excessive water absorption when stool moves through the large intestine. Consequently, this hardens the stool and worsens constipation. Thus, the common causes of constipation are categorized based on two types of constipation;

• Primary constipation: This is caused by some form of dysfunction in colonic motility or pelvic floor dysfunction. This implies there is an impaired movement of stool or poor functioning of the muscles that help with bowel movement. Additionally, primary constipation is linked to lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. It could be improved by the use of laxatives and lifestyle changes. It is further subdivided into normal transit constipation, slow transit constipation, and evacuation disorders.
• Secondary constipation:  Secondary means that the constipation is caused by, or associated with, another medical condition or use of a medication that can trigger constipation. Conditions that can cause secondary constipation include: diabetes, stroke, pregnancy, low levels of potassium, and high levels of calcium in the blood, etc. Drugs that can cause constipation include antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, etc.

Dangerous Complications You Shouldn’t Ignore

The complications associated with constipation include;

Toxic megacolon:

This is one of the most severe and life-threatening complications of chronic constipation. It occurs when prolonged constipation causes the colon to overstretch and weaken, increasing the susceptibility to inflammation and infection. This is because the stagnant stool and overstretched colon provide a conducive environment for the overgrowth of bacteria and inflammation. The inflammation can become extremely severe and spread through all layers of the colon. This causes the muscles of the colon to lose their function completely, and leakage of bacterial toxins. This inflammation and damage can lead to toxic megacolon, characterized by thinning of the colon wall and the presence of deep ulcers.

Anal fissures:

This is a tear that occurs in the lining of the anus due to straining during constipation. Although this condition is painful, it is typically not severe. However, if not managed anal fissure can lead to bacterial infection.

Fecal impaction:

This occurs when hard stool becomes stuck in the rectum. Apart from causing significant discomfort, fecal impaction, if not relieved, can lead to bleeding, rectal opening, urinary tract problems, and sepsis.  

Tips to Improve Constipation and Ease Bowel Movement

Chronic constipation can affect your daily activities. This is because the gut has a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. Therefore, to improve constipation, the following tips are recommended;

• Practice intermittent fasting: You can start with having an eating period of 9 hours during the day and fasting for 15 hours within the same day (which you can sustain if you eat healthy meals that keep you full). Doing this will at least give your body a chance to catch up with digestion and self-reset. This will also help reduce the risk of other digestive problems.
• Fix your diet: The fact is that the more complex your diet (i.e., a variety of processed and fried foods), the higher the stress on your digestive system. Also, avoid refined oils and use as little oil as possible when cooking. Instead, increase your intake of wholesome foods and healthy fats that will keep you full for longer.
• Use of natural constipation relief supplement: You can get a supplement with a dual function of replenishing your magnesium levels and relieving constipation. You can do this by getting NATURE’SFIELD MAGNESIUM CITRATE, which provides a natural laxative effect and is highly absorbable by the body.

Constipation should not be overlooked. If it is left untreated, serious complications may arise. These include hemorrhoids, fecal impaction, etc as well as other related diseases that affect to general health in a long run. Thus, it is always best to address health concerns head-on before they progress into what might be hard to control. Therefore, improve your digestive problems with NATURE’SFIELD MAGNESIUM CITRATE and witness other parts of your body synergize for a common goal of optimum health.