One of the key elements of a healthy life is maintaining a good digestive system. Anything beyond or fewer is considered indicative of a chronic issue, which could include constipation or diarrhea. Severe constipation is a condition which involves fewer bowel movements. When one is suffering from chronic constipation, one is able to pass irregular or hard stools, which is quite painful.

What is severe constipation?
Severe constipation is often characterized by abdominal pains and irritation in the stomach.

Symptoms
There are various symptoms of severe constipation. Identifying them is important. Here are few you should look out for.

• The major symptom of severe constipation is infrequent bowel movements. The bowel movement loses regularity with the onset of constipation.
• Another prominent symptom of severe constipation is abdominal pain. Due to the low passage of feces, the person tends to suffer from abdominal pain.
• A person suffering from constipation will experience difficulty in the passage of stools. It may be too less, or there is no passage of feces at all. There may be a little passage of stool after prolonged straining.
• Along with abdominal pain, the person also experiences flatulence and other irritable bowel syndromes. There is stiffness and also a sense of stomach bloating.
• Due to fewer bowel movements and feeling bloated, a person would feel nauseated. Bouts of vomiting and gas related problems are not uncommon in those suffering from constipation.
• Often, severe constipation leads to psychological distress. You experience chronic headaches and irritations. You tend to get frustrated and grow jittery. This also results in the loss of appetite.
• Another prominent symptom of constipation is bleeding in the rectal fissures. This happens due to the trauma of the not being able to defecate well. It damages the colonic walls and leaves it perforated.

Causes of severe constipation
There can be several causes of severe constipation. Often, more than one cause can lead to this disorder. You can classify them into the below-mentioned reasons.

Diet
A healthy diet is crucial to lead a healthy life. Improper diet leads to many disorders, constipation being one of them. It is important to maintain a healthy balanced diet for controlling constipation. Fiber-enriched food helps reduce constipation. To combat constipation, one should intake sufficient fluids and water in proper quantity.

Dehydration
A low intake of water and fluids leads to dehydration, which is a prime cause of severe constipation. Water is essential for not only digestion but also to maintain body temperature and the free flow of bowels. Caffeine-enriched beverages, such as coffee, help induce excretion and frequent passage of urine. These beverages expel excess water from the body. Therefore, the water lost has to be replaced by water intake, failing which dehydration occurs.

Medicines and laxatives
Certain medicines and prolonged use of laxatives lead to severe constipation. Medications such as antibiotics and antidepressants can be harmful to the digestive system. Iron tablets, narcotic drugs, and diuretics can also become major causes of constipation. Laxatives can help heal constipation; however, its prolonged use has adverse effects.

Physical ailments and stress
Physical ailments and diseases also characterize severe constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and a spastic colon can also lead to constipation. This is accompanied by flatulence or stomach bloating. One will experience frequent occurrences of constipation if they are diabetic, pregnant, or suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Medicines and change in hormones aggravate constipation in this regard. Intestinal inflammation, hernia, and gallstones can also cause constipation. Rectal prolapsed and issues in the nerves like a tumor or multiple sclerosis can also cause severe constipation.

Home remedies for curing constipation
Here are some useful home remedies for the treatment of severe constipation.

Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient science that involves treatment with natural herbs. Drinking plenty of water, intake of herbal tea and organic oils like clarified butter can ease constipation. The inclusion of fiber-enriched food like bananas and prunes helps cure severe constipation. Another effective medicine is the Triphala tablet made from pacifying herbs.

Sesame seeds
The oily component of sesame seeds can ease the bowel movement providing a proper lubrication. You can add it to your cereals and meals or grind and use it as seasoning.

Molasses
A teaspoon of molasses every night before bed can work wonders. It has enriched vitamins and magnesium that can help cure severe constipation.

Fibers
Include plenty of fiber-rich food in your diet. Fiber acts as an absorbent and sucks up excess water thereby, providing free-flow of the stool. Fruits like apple, green leafy vegetables, and nuts are fiber enriched. Do not forget to drink plenty of water.

Healthy fats and oil
Castor oil and almond oils are good for curing constipation. Good fats like butter, vegetables, and fruits act as a catalyst to cure severe constipation.