Occasional constipation: causes, symptoms and remedies

Did you know that around 14% of the general population in Spain suffers from constipation? Do you know what causes it? Our lifestyle habits make a significant difference to the risk of experiencing it. At Farmaciasdirect, we tell you everything you need to know about constipation.

What is occasional constipation?

Occasional constipation is a common digestive disorder characterised by temporary difficulty passing stools, presenting with a series of associated symptoms:

• Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week.
• No sense of complete evacuation.
• Abdominal pain and loss of appetite.
• Bloating and wind.
• Excessive straining when defecating.
• Small, hard or dry stools.
• Painful defecation.

The criterion for establishing that a person suffers from constipation is therefore based on the number of weekly bowel movements and other associated symptoms.

Why does constipation occur?

Constipation can occur for various reasons:

• Dietary factors and habits: lack of hydration, insufficient fibre, excess fats, etc.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Taking certain medications.
• Associated with another condition, such as diabetes or thyroid problems.
• Stress.
• Heavy meals.
• Travel.

Types of constipation

• Acute or occasional constipation: temporary, caused by a change in lifestyle habits.
• Chronic constipation: one that persists over time. It may be caused by the factors mentioned above, weakness in intestinal motor function, etc.

Remedies for occasional constipation

To relieve and prevent constipation, it is important to address the root cause through improvements in lifestyle habits:

• Increase fibre intake.
• Follow a healthy, balanced diet.
• Drink 1–2 litres of water per day.
• Take regular exercise.
• Avoid heavy meals.
• Supplement your diet with daily probiotics to strengthen the intestinal flora and prevent these episodes.
• Take a food supplement that improves intestinal transit.
• Use a medication or product to relieve symptoms, such as a laxative for occasional constipation.

What to take for occasional constipation?

Occasional constipation can cause significant discomfort in our daily lives; therefore, we can turn to medications for constipation or food supplements to provide relief:

In this case, Micralax is a prescription-free medication presented as micro-enemas. Its action relieves discomfort, allowing you to pass stools immediately or within 5–15 minutes of use. Its action is local, and its mechanism works by hydrating and softening the stools to facilitate evacuation. It is easy to use and acts quickly. It can be used by adults and children over 12 years of age.

Is there a natural laxative that works in 30 seconds?

There is no natural laxative that guarantees results in exactly 30 seconds, as the digestive system's response time depends on individual factors. However, some natural remedies may stimulate intestinal transit relatively quickly, at least in cases where the intestine is already active. Among these remedies, aside from medicinal ones, senna leaves stand out as a natural laxative, whose effect typically begins 6 to 12 hours after ingestion. They are therefore recommended to be taken at night before going to bed, so that the effect is felt in the morning. However, their use should be occasional and should not exceed one week without medical supervision, as they can cause side effects such as abdominal cramps and intestinal dependency.

Remember that it is very important not to self-medicate and to consult a pharmacist before taking any medication or supplement that may affect your health. If occasional constipation does not improve or worsens, consult your doctor so that they can assess your case.