What options in Ayurveda help in resolving constipation?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been facing mild constipation for one month. Also, I had laser surgery done for my piles a year back. I had visited my surgeon, and he examined my anal passage and had given the below medications. He also mentioned that minor piles are reoccurring. The medication given is as follows:

1) Smuth cream (1-0-1) for one month.

2) SafeLax powder (1-0-1) for seven days.

3) LactiFiber granules - after seven days for a few months.

Currently, I am only taking LactiFiber. With LactiFiber, my constipation has reduced by 90 percent. I would like to know if LactiFiber is a good stool softener and if it can be continued for three to four months without any side effects. I found a product (details of that product are attached). Please review this product and let me know if this is a good product for curing piles.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query and saw the attached file (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). Let me answer your questions first.

1) Yes, you can take Lactifiber granules (Lactitol and Ispaghula) continuously for two to three months.

2) I also reviewed the product (stool softening powder), which is mentioned by you. It is a good product for constipation. I suggest you have this to ease your constipation for a few days. But you can not take it continuously for a longer duration, like three to four months. Otherwise, your bowel may become habitual to it.

3) Rather than depending on medicines, I suggest you change some lifestyle habits to improve your condition because piles can reoccur again due to constipation. Constipation puts pressure on your anal area and regular and long-term problems of constipation can make the problem worse. Therefore adopt all the lifestyle habits that are helpful in reducing the problem of piles.

4) Add food items that have more fiber. Eat fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables.

5) Drink plenty of water. After waking up in the morning, drink one to two glasses of lukewarm water daily.

6) Drink dairy milk (cow's or buffalo's milk) one hour before sleeping. Add some sugar to it also if you are not diabetic.

7) Also, add some raisins to it while boiling it. Drink this milk and chew these raisins. These are also helpful in reducing the problem of constipation.

8) You can also add half a teaspoon of desi ghee (clarified butter) to the hot milk, sometimes along with raisins. Avoid desi ghee if you are overweight, diabetic, or have a problem with high blood pressure.

9) Avoid fast food, noodles, cold drinks, and excessive caffeinated drinks.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, sometimes bowel movements can vary due to various reasons. Like the amount of water you take, due to some food change, lack of activities as you are sitting for a long time, stress, etc. So it is normal. There is no need to worry.

Since stress can also exaggerate the problem sometimes, I will not recommend taking extra prebiotics and probiotics for you, although they promote friendly gut flora. However, they are more useful in treating diarrhea and promoting constipation. I advise you not to take any prebiotics and probiotics.

I suggest you stick to a healthy lifestyle by bringing food items rich in fiber and doing exercise regularly. Drinking lots of water also helps to maintain good bowel health.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.