Many people suffer from constipation, which is not dangerous in itself, but primarily unpleasant and often painful. This article will explain what constipation is, what you can do about it, which probiotics can help, and other important information.

• Constipation can severely impair quality of life.
• There are various possible causes for constipation.
• Probiotics help to regulate bowel movements.

What is constipation?

Constipation, medically termed obstipation, is defined as infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. In most cases, constipation resolves on its own. However, if you suffer from chronic constipation, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause, as chronic constipation can significantly impact your quality of life.

Symptoms of constipation?

The following symptoms may occur with constipation:

• Bowel movements occur less frequently than usual,
• The stool volume is less than usual,
• Stool excretion is difficult and only possible with strong straining.
• The stool is dry, hard, and possibly lumpy.
• As someone affected, you have the feeling that your bowels are not completely emptied.

It is not uncommon for symptoms to include bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, and nausea.

What are the causes of constipation?

In most cases, the causes of constipation are lifestyle-related. An unhealthy diet, lacking in fiber, and insufficient physical activity play a major role in healthy digestion. However, underlying medical conditions or the use of certain medications can also be contributing factors.

Possible causes include:

• too little fiber in the diet,
• too little fluid
• Lack of exercise or being bedridden,
• Suppressing or ignoring the urge to defecate,
• poorly developed intestinal flora,
• hormonal factors, for example pregnancy,
• Taking medications such as iron supplements,
• Electrolyte imbalances,
• neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease,
• Narrowing of the intestine, for example due to diverticulitis, Crohn's disease,
• psychological causes such as stress, anorexia, depression

How is constipation diagnosed?

The diagnosis of constipation is usually carried out as follows:

Medical history

The consultation between doctor and patient is one of the first steps, because taking a medical history allows the doctor to learn about the patient's symptoms and how long they have existed. The doctor will ask about the frequency of bowel movements, living conditions, and eating habits. They will also ask whether and, if so, which medications are being taken.

Physical examination:

During the physical examination, the doctor will palpate the abdomen and examine the anus. An abdominal ultrasound, stool sample, and blood test may also be necessary.

Depending on the patient's age and the doctor's suspicions, further examinations may be necessary.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that also occur naturally in foods like beetroot and sauerkraut. However, there are also probiotic dietary supplements, medications, and yogurts. The main function of these bacterial strains is to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This helps regulate the gut flora and digestion.

What else probiotics can do

Some probiotics not only benefit the gut but also stimulate the production of antibiotic antibodies, thus reducing the chances of harmful germs making you sick. This means that probiotics support not only your gut but also your immune system.

Which probiotics are suitable for constipation?

Since every gut is different and research is not yet that advanced, it is not possible to say clearly which of the many different gut bacteria are the right ones for constipation.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Research has shown that probiotics are generally suitable for relieving constipation and restoring balance to the gut flora. In particular, the bacterial strain Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a natural component of the gut flora, can help with constipation, bloating, and even stomach ulcers.

Bifidobacterium

The probiotic Bifidobacterium also has a positive effect on stress management in humans. Taking this strain of bacteria has been shown to help with stress-related constipation.

Saccharomyces bouldarii

This strain can neutralize bacterial toxins, bind to diarrhea-causing pathogens, and eliminate them from the body. In many countries around the world, Saccharomyces bouldarii is used to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Lactobaccilus Bulgaricus

Lactobaccilus bulgaricus is used as a culture starter in yogurt production and stimulates the growth of other beneficial and important bacteria that can regulate the intestinal flora.

What can you do yourself to combat constipation?

If you are constipated, you can take the following to heart and try them:

• Enjoy your breakfast in peace and always take your time when eating.
• There should be enough time after breakfast to use the toilet.
• Stress should be avoided as much as possible.
• You should exercise for at least half an hour every day.
• Drink about 2.5 liters of water or unsweetened tea every day.
• Make sure you eat a diet rich in fiber.

Conclusion

In the vast majority of cases, constipation is harmless and has no organic causes, but rather develops as a result of one's lifestyle. However, if you change your eating habits and get a little more exercise, your digestion usually regulates itself and the constipation disappears on its own.

If switching to a high-fiber diet, getting enough exercise, and drinking plenty of fluids isn't enough to relieve your constipation, you can try probiotic supplements. These can gently help get your bowels moving again, regulate your gut flora, and relieve the constipation.