What illnesses can constipation be a symptom of... Drinking water during meals...
It should not be forgotten that constipation often appears as a symptom of an illness. First, the cause of the constipation must be thoroughly investigated. If there happens to be a tumor located in the colon, and we try to treat the constipation symptomatically without conducting an investigation, we not only put the patient's life at risk, but also damage medical ethics.
Patients often do not want to describe their complaints in detail; if such a situation is sensed, more questions should be asked to complete the medical history, and the patient should be allowed to answer comfortably. In taking the history, the doctor should first ask whether there is a delay in defecation, the physical characteristics of the stool (hardness, blood, mucus...), the presence of excessive straining, how long the patient stays in the bathroom, maneuvers performed for defecation, and medication use.
DO NOT TAKE CONSTIPATION LIGHTLY
In patients over the age of 50 whose constipation has lasted longer than 2 years, the possibility of a serious illness or even a tumor should not be dismissed. Situations such as new medication use or a change in diet that could cause constipation should not be overlooked.
Constipation can have numerous causes.
A fiber-poor diet, irregular bowel habits, an underactive thyroid gland, past surgeries, antidepressant or painkiller use, intestinal diseases, certain neurological illnesses, and tumors are common causes of constipation.
Constipation should not be taken lightly. First, the cause of the constipation must be thoroughly investigated, a detailed medical history must be taken from the patient, the patient must be examined, and necessary tests must be performed. Not everyone experiencing constipation needs to undergo a colonoscopy as a first step.
DRINKING WATER DURING MEALS...
One of the most common causes of constipation is gut flora imbalance and the subsequent development of intestinal fungus. These two conditions must absolutely be investigated; to regulate the gut flora, the diet should be adjusted taking food sensitivity into account, and microbiological support should be provided.
It is also emphasized that insufficient water consumption or drinking water during meals can cause constipation. 2-2.5 liters daily, or, more accurately, 40 ml per kilogram of body weight daily, needs to be consumed. However, water should be spread throughout the day rather than drunk in one or two sittings, taken half an hour before starting a meal or at least 30-45 minutes after finishing a meal. It is recommended not to drink water between bites.
What can you do yourself in treating chronic constipation?
Drink 1-2 glasses of room-temperature water when you wake up in the morning.
Increase the number of meals but reduce their portion sizes.
Eat a diet rich in fiber.
Do not eat late at night.
Go for walks.
If you cannot solve the problem through your own efforts, consult a specialist. But remember that without finding the actual cause of the constipation, the solution cannot be complete and lasting.
It is possible to help patients with chronic constipation with neural therapy, gut flora treatment, dietary regulation, acupuncture, magnetic field therapy, and colon hydrotherapy.