7 Common Myths about Constipation

Do you feel crampy, bloated and uncomfortable for days or weeks? Putting on pants in the morning or being in a long work meeting can trigger anxiety due to discomfort. Despite sitting on the toilet for long periods, you can't seem to find relief and eliminate waste.

You're not alone. Research indicates that 15-20% of people have chronic constipation, which affects all aspects of life, not just bathroom habits. However, there are several common myths about constipation. And, it may lead to confusion on what to try and what not to get some relief.

Don’t worry! Here we are busting some common myths related to constipation to help you understand what might work for improving the condition.

Myth 1: Colon cleansing is an effective treatment for constipation

While colon irrigation (high colonics) and enemas can eliminate body waste, they are not effective methods for constipation treatment or prevention. Regular enemas can cause constipation, particularly in older individuals. Colonic irrigation, usually performed by therapists, can harm the colon and result in other issues. It's best to consult your doctor before considering these options.

Myth 2: Have coffee to prevent constipation

As a coffee consumer, you may have experienced its laxative effects due to caffeine's ability to activate your digestive system's muscles, leading to bowel movements. Nonetheless, caffeine is also a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration and result in constipation. To avoid constipation, it's important to limit or refrain from consuming dehydrating beverages, such as coffee.

Myth 3: Only eat fibre to avoid constipation

The common advice for relieving constipation is to increase fibre intake, but it's not always a straightforward solution. While fibre is beneficial for digestion and overall well-being, it's possible to consume adequate fibre and still experience constipation due to medication side effects or underlying health problems. 

If you're uncertain about what to eat for constipation, incorporating whole grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits can boost your fibre intake. However, it's crucial to note that several other factors may affect bowel movements.

Myth 4: One must have daily bowel movements

The misconception about when to be concerned about constipation is widespread, with many people thinking that going a few days without a bowel movement is alarming. However, every individual's body is unique, and it's normal for some to defecate multiple times a day while others only a few times per week. 

Although having at least one bowel movement per day is typical, going a couple of days without one might be normal for your body, and there's no need for concern if you feel fine and experience no other constipation symptoms. Wondering when to worry about constipation? Having less than three bowel movements per week might indicate constipation, while one or fewer movements per week could imply a more severe condition.

Myth 5: Ageing causes constipation

While older people are more likely to experience constipation, it's not a typical symptom of ageing. Therefore, don't disregard constipation as a consequence of age when considering when to be concerned. In most situations, constipation is a minor issue that resolves within a few days. However, if you have less than one bowel movement per week, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Myth 6: Blood on the stool is normal

Fissures or haemorrhoids can cause bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper, and this is usually not a significant issue. Straining or constipation can cause this. However, tarry black or maroon-coloured blood may indicate bleeding from higher up in the digestive system. 

This is when you should be concerned about constipation. If you have bloody stool, you should immediately contact your doctor. If it's dark in colour, you should seek emergency medical assistance.

Myth 7: Drugs are the only cure

Initially, we try to address constipation through dietary changes, increased water intake and exercise. When these methods fail, we may resort to over-the-counter laxatives. If these don't work, doctors may suggest that prescription medications are the last resort. However, this is a misconception!

Non-drug options, such as probiotics for constipation, are also quite effective for treatment. It is best to try some home remedies or consult a healthcare practitioner for effective non-drug treatment options.

Conclusion:

The internet offers a plethora of information on avoiding constipation, but not all of it is reliable. Before applying any of this information to your own life, it’s crucial to fact-check it. We hope that after knowing about these common myths, you will next time recheck with your doctor before trying any common remedy for constipation.

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