A healthy digestive system is the unseen factor that powers your happiness, productivity, and well-being. On the other hand, disruptions to the regular operation of our bowels can ruin your entire day, causing discomfort, nausea, bloating, and oftentimes, low appetite. Chronic constipation can be difficult to manage and over time may negatively impact your quality of life. Laxatives are commonly used to treat irregular bowel motions, however using them excessively might have negative effects. A lot of the illness can be improved with lifestyle modifications, particularly food adjustments.
Among the several methods that Ayurveda suggests, these five can aid in preventing persistent constipation:
1. Include almonds in your diet
If you experience persistent constipation, choose hot, potent foods high in fiber. One such meal that significantly reduces the risk of constipation is almonds. Almonds have pharmacological qualities and are categorized in Ayurveda as ‘Poshaka,’ a tonic that supports all body tissues, ‘Brimhana,’ which encourages a rise in body mass, and ‘Balya,’ which can improve the development of muscle strength. Given that one of these nuts’ primary purposes is to strengthen all bodily tissues and have a therapeutic effect, these nutritious nuts would consequently aid in relieving some of the debility and weakness brought on by chronic illnesses like constipation.
2. Increase the amount of organic oils you consume
Good fats and oils aid in lubricating the tissues, allowing the right quantity of fat or oil to stay in the stool. Sesame oil, ghee, and olive oil are the greatest fats or oils for vata, while most oils are generally helpful.
3. A range of fruit types
Fruits are a healthy and reviving supplement to your diet that can help reduce vata. Ripe bananas, peeled apples, luscious peaches, or plump prunes are excellent options. Eat fruits at least an hour before or after meals to get the most benefit, and make sure to chew them well.
4. Spices
When it comes to treating chronic constipation, individuals usually turn to their kitchens for solutions, and spices are a fantastic place to start. Asafetida, garlic, and even regular salt are excellent choices for spices. Garlic and asafetida are two of the best vata dosha balancers. They also aid in the downward flow of the contents of the gut, which relieves constipation. Additionally, common salt counteracts the dryness that contributes to constipation by balancing Vata and raising the water content in the stomach.
5. Herbs
Herbs that are known to be highly beneficial in treating chronic constipation include Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellarica), which is commonly used in triphala. When combined, they provide a moderate laxative quality that is necessary in this situation and balance all the Tridoshas. Due to its laxative qualities, Swarnapatri, also known as senna (Cassia angustifolia), is another often utilized herb.