Waking up feeling heavy and bloated and then spending forever in the loo—is this starting to sound like your everyday story, too? Well, you are not alone. In fact, every 1 in 10 people globally share the same ordeal—constipation!

It is not just the physical discomfort associated with constipation that's distressing. It is about the persistent impact on mood, focus, and overall well-being. Those who suffer from it know it! And the worst thing is the reliance on treatments that promise relief but are more of a habit than a solution. 

If you've been stuck in this cycle of discomfort, false hope, and the fleeting satisfaction of temporary relief, you're reading just the right thing. This article is written with a keen understanding of the problems someone with constipation faces and provides natural solutions through Ayurveda! It's time to escape the cycle and rediscover a life free from the clutches of constipation.

Understanding constipation and its causes

Talking from a medical viewpoint, constipation, which is a common digestive condition, can be defined as –

• Difficulty in passing stools or 
• Infrequent bowel movements or
• Uncomfortable bowel movements 

It occurs when the stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract, leading to the absorption of excess water and the formation of hard, dry feces. This sluggish movement of stool can result in various symptoms like –

• Bloating
• Abdominal discomfort
• A sense of incomplete evacuation
• Straining during bowel movements
• Infrequent or irregular passage of stools

Several factors can result in constipation, such as –

• Frequent travel - 
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Lack of regular exercise 
• Changes in daily routine
• Stress, anxiety, and depression
• Irregular eating and sleeping patterns
• Insufficient fluid intake or dehydration
• Suppressing the natural urge to defecate
• Hormonal imbalances, particularly during pregnancy or menstruation
• Inadequate consumption of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Certain medications like pain relievers, antacids containing calcium or aluminum, and antidepressants

source: Geetanjali Ralh Singh - LinkedIn

Ayurvedic viewpoints on digestion and constipation

Ayurveda puts a great deal of emphasis on your digestion, and for your digestion to take appropriate action, your Agni, AKA your digestive fire, should be optimal. But when Doshas gets imbalanced, it could lead to deranged Agni.

Vata Imbalance:

When Vata becomes imbalanced, it introduces an element of dryness, obstructing the seamless flow of food through the digestive tract. This disruption leads to an abrupt flow of Agni and erratic digestion.

Pitta Imbalance:

Excess Pitta causes hyperacidity, inflammation, and an overheated digestive system. Conversely, an underactive Pitta can hinder the functioning of Agni, slowing down the entire digestive process. 

Kapha Imbalance:

Aggravated Kapha can slow down Agni and cause sluggish digestion. This leads to heaviness, indigestion, and accumulation of mucus and toxins.

From the Ayurvedic viewpoint, there are two main culprits of constipation: Vata and Kapha! Vata dries up your stool, while Kapha leads to stagnation. Now, constipation can be caused by either of these or just a mixed effect of these two together.

Out-of-whack digestion or Agni may sound like a minor issue, but it is the root cause of all your health woes and maladies! This is why it is essential to fix these issues immediately to prevent any complicating diseases.

Ayurvedic solutions for constipation that work!

Remedies That Work:

Vata Imbalance:

Mix 1 teaspoon of castor oil with warm milk. Consume it before bedtime. Use cautiously, as excessive use can lead to dependency.

Pitta Imbalance:

You can chew a small amount of fennel seeds after meals, or steep a few seeds in hot water to make a soothing tea.

Kapha Imbalance:

Mix 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder in a cup of warm water. Consume it before bedtime for mild laxative effects.

Dietary Recommendations:

source: indiamart

Lifestyle Recommendations:

source: spine & sports physical therapy

These Ayurvedic remedies can be a great way to relieve your constipation. Try these simple tips and see the difference it makes. Don’t forget to use the tips exclusive to your Dosha for optimal results.