Constipation
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38. Rig Veda, in Octave 10, asserts: “Water indeed is a medication; Water is the dispeller of the root of all diseases; Water itself is the remedy for all ills. May the Water afford thee cure for thy ailments.”
39. Simple, yet the most effective way of managing constipation is to drink plenty of water and fluids. Water acts as a lubricant, removes dryness from the digestive system, adds bulk to stool and makes bowel movements softer and easier. Regular drinking of water is beneficial not only for constipation but also for cleaning the system, diluting the blood and washing out poisons. Enema with water is the best and quickest temporary remedy for immediate relief of constipation.
40. Normally 8-10 glasses of water (2½ – 3 litres or more if you exercise and in hot weather) should be taken daily at regular intervals (say one glass every hour – unless fluid intake is restricted due to some medical reasons such as diabetes and kidney problems) as it is essential for digesting and dissolving food nutrients so that they can be absorbed and utilized by the body in a satisfactory manner. Water should, however, not be taken with meals as it dilutes gastric juices essential for proper digestion. Water should be taken an hour before or an hour after meals. Most sorts of drink will do but alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can be dehydrating and may not be so good for constipation.
41. To start the day, Ayurveda advises to slowly drink a glass or two of warm water, which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel, with a squeeze of lemon and a little honey on empty stomach to stimulate natural bowel movement in the morning.
Foods that Aggravate Constipation
42. Ayurveda advises to avoid foods that are heavy, dry and cold in nature and have a bitter, pungent and astringent taste. These foods include animal proteins, pomegranate, unripe banana, corn, barley, millet, cabbage, cauliflower, sweet corn, cucumber, cold drinks. Most of the foods which constipate are all products made of white flour (maida). Avoid polished rice, bread, cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, fleshy foods, preserves, sugar. You should also avoid foods that have little or no fibre such as ice-creams, pizzas, processed and refined foods. All fried fat-rich junk foods like burgers, crisps, bhujia, chhole bhature, purees, tikkies, samosas, pakoras, papri chat, tinned and ready packed meals and beverages with harmful chemical additives such as noodles, soups, colas, fizzy drinks should be cut out from your diet. Sugar and sugary foods should be strictly avoided because sugar for its digestion robs the body of minerals and vitamins including B-vitamin, without which the intestines cannot function normally. One should also limit the consumption of alcohol, coffee and tea as these can be dehydrating and cause dryness in the digestive system.
