Constipation is more common in people over 60 years of age.

In this article:

What is constipation?

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

How Chemist Online can help

Advice & Support

What is constipation?
Constipation is basically an inability to defecate normally. Regular bowel movements may be disrupted in some way, or, although the bowel movements are regular as normal, passing faeces is very painful (a strain each time you try to go to the toilet), or the faeces are watery.

Millions of people across the UK suffer from constipation at some point in their lives, with many suffering more than one episode.

Symptoms
Symptoms of constipation include:

A significant decrease in the frequency of your bowel movements

Straining during bowel movements

Lumpy or hard faeces

A feeling of incompleteness after using the toilet, meaning that you need to return to the toilet to try to empty your bowels fully again

Stomach cramps or bloating

Causes
Causes of constipation include:

A low-fibre diet

Low/insufficient fluid intake

Dehydration at a concerning level

As a post-operative complication

Being elderly

As a side effect of taking certain medications (e.g., antidepressants)

Having a sedentary lifestyle

Irritable bowel syndrome

Depressive illness

Stress and anxiety

Other psychological problems, such as a trauma or fear association with toilets

Also, the menstrual cycle can impact upon a woman’s bowel movements, with constipation sometimes occurring during these periods and also during the menopause (in rare cases).

Diagnosis
Most instances of constipation can be cleared up by taking over-the-counter remedies (laxatives). However, if your symptoms persist, or you are particularly worried about irregularities with your bowel movements, then arrange an appointment with your GP. After talking your medical history they will ask you some questions about your symptoms and then recommend an appropriate treatment.

Where a confirmed diagnosis of constipation proves difficult to establish, you may have a blood test at your GP medical practice, or you may be referred to a specialist for tests (such as a colonoscopy which will allow a trained medical specialist to examine the inside of your large bowel more closely.) Once a confirmed diagnosis of constipation has been made, the specialist will recommend an appropriate treatment.

Treatment
As well as over-the-counter remedies for constipation, the best way to reduce the risk of developing the condition is to maintain a diet that combines fruit, vegetables, wholegrain breakfast cereals, oats and brown rice. Also drink plenty of water.

The usual prescribed medications for constipation are: bulking laxatives and stimulant laxatives. Where over-the-counter types of these fail then a stronger prescribed formula will be tried. This will usually prove successful in clearing up symptoms and helping to stabilise and regulate bowel movements as normal again.

How Chemist Online can help
Through this website we have a range of treatments available to buy which can help ease the symptoms of constipation.

www.chemistonline.co.uk

Advice & Support
Core
Tel: 020 7486 0341
Website: www.corecharity.org.uk

The Gut Trust
Helpline: 0114 272 3253
Website: www.theguttrust.org

This information and advice is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or chemist. Chemist Online is also not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based upon the content of the Chemist Online website. Chemist Online is also not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.

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Embrace the Full Spectrum of Emotions
Feel Everything

Emotions are the soul’s language, guiding us through life’s labyrinth. When feeling lost, it’s crucial to embrace every emotion that surfaces. Suppressing feelings only leads to stagnation. By fully experiencing our emotions, we unlock the healing process, allowing us to break free from what holds us back. Lyla June’s words, “Feeling is healing,” encapsulate this truth. Will you heed the call of your soul and allow yourself to feel deeply?

Cultivate Inner Peace Through Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are powerful tools for reconnecting with our inner selves. The practice of yoga, with its asanas (postures), pranayama (breathwork), and dhyana (meditation), purifies the body and mind, fostering a sense of peace and connection. These ancient practices can be instrumental in guiding us back to our true essence when we feel adrift.

Nourish Your Body and Mind
Change Your Diet

The adage “you are what you eat” holds profound truth. Our dietary choices directly impact our mental and physical well-being. Ayurveda and yoga advocate for a sattvic diet—foods that are pure, light, and promote clarity. By choosing nourishing foods over low-vibrational junk food, we can enhance our energy and gain the clarity needed for self-reinvention.

Disconnect to Reconnect
Unplug from Technology

In our digital age, excessive screen time can disconnect us from our physical selves. Taking time to unplug and engage in activities that ground us—like spending time in nature, reading, or practicing yoga—can help us reconnect with our body’s wisdom and find our footing again.

Find Joy in Service
Volunteer

Helping others can illuminate our own path when we feel lost. Volunteering offers a new perspective and a sense of purpose that can be deeply fulfilling. Whether it’s working with animals or supporting the elderly, service can be a powerful means of self-discovery and transformation.

Reach Out for Support
Seek Out Help

Feeling lost can be isolating, but it’s important to remember that support is available. Reaching out to a counselor, friend, or family member for guidance can provide comfort and direction during these times. Sharing our struggles is a brave step towards reinventing ourselves.

Draw Inspiration from Nature
Go to Mother Nature

Nature’s embrace has a unique way of providing solace and inspiration. Spending time in the natural world can help us feel more connected and offer fresh insights into our lives. As George Santayana poetically stated, “The earth has its music for those who will listen.”

Conclusion: A Light on the Path
Feeling lost is not a dead end but a turning point. It’s an invitation to grow, to become more compassionate and authentic. By navigating these challenging times with grace and patience, we can find the light at the end of the tunnel and emerge stronger and more self-aware.

Interesting stats and data about the topic are not readily available as the experience of feeling lost and the process of personal transformation are highly subjective and vary greatly from person to person. However, it is worth noting that according to a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, engaging in self-reflective practices like meditation can significantly increase well-being and life satisfaction.

For more information on the benefits of a sattvic diet, you can explore resources provided by the Yoga Journal. To understand the impact of technology on our well-being, the Pew Research Center offers insights into our digital lives.

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