1 in 2 people will experience at least once in their life an episode of intestinal laziness or constipation . And to prevent the problem from taking hold, we tell you everything about the causes, symptoms and possible treatments.
What is a lazy gut?
This term is used to designate the reduction in the efficiency of intestinal transit. Healthy digestive function helps process food and move it through the colon, where it is then passed out every day or up to three times a week. Below this frequency, we then speak of intestinal laziness. This phenomenon can be occasional or become chronic, in both cases, it is important to act and for this there are natural solutions to treat and wake up a sluggish intestine .
What causes lazy gut?
In the majority of cases, the origin of the symptoms of a sluggish intestine is not pathological. In some rarer cases, an intestinal disease may be the cause of the appearance of symptoms but most of the time, the causes are linked, for example, to insufficient water intake or an unbalanced diet low in fiber. Sedentary lifestyle and age can also be possible factors because we see that it concerns older people more than younger people.
This disorder also affects women more than men; hormones are believed to be the cause, particularly progesterone which plays a role in the functioning of intestinal muscles. The stools have difficulty moving forward, become dehydrated and then become more difficult to pass.
Sometimes we also notice a slowdown in transit in the event of long journeys by train or plane.
Pregnancy is also a favorable period for slower transit due to hormonal and physiological changes.
Finally, taking a medication and its side effects can trigger intestinal sluggishness, for example anti-depressants, anxiolytics or even codeine and opiates.
Signs and Symptoms of Lazy Bowel
Not sure if you have lazy bowel? Here are the signs and symptoms that should alert you.
1. Bloating, a sign of intestinal laziness
If you have a sluggish intestine then you probably suffer from swelling in the stomach, which is the consequence of an accumulation of gas in the digestive system. The accumulation can be located in the stomach, small intestine or colon and is generally accompanied by belching (burps, put more nicely), flatulence, etc.
2. Abdominal pain, a symptom of sluggish bowel
Just like bloating, gas buildup in the digestive system can also lead to abdominal pain. Going to the bathroom less frequently can also cause pain or feelings of heaviness in the stomach.
3. Constipation and sluggish bowel
It's difficult to miss this symptom when you suffer from intestinal laziness. In fact, the low frequency of stools causes them to harden and does not facilitate their evacuation.
4. The link between headaches and intestinal laziness
Headaches have been reported by people suffering from lazy bowel syndrome/
5. Mood disorder and irritability, signs of sluggish gut
Research has shown that patients affected by intestinal sluggishness may also be affected by mood disorders such as depression, stress, anxiety and irritability. This is because there is constant communication between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis, which can impact mood and emotional well-being.
Treatments to treat and wake up a sluggish intestine
Symptoms of lazy gut can make everyday life difficult, so it's important to address them. Rest assured, there are natural and easy-to-implement treatments to overcome a sluggish intestine .
1. Consume more fiber to wake up the sluggish gut
For health, particularly that of your intestines, it is recommended to consume between 30 and 45g of fiber per day. They are found in vegetables and fruits (fig, apple, prunes, white beans and spinach), as well as legumes (chickpeas and lentils) and whole grains (whole wheat, whole rice, oats and barley).
2. Drink at least 1.5L of water per day to counteract a sluggish intestine
It has been proven that good hydration contributes to the proper functioning of intestinal transit. Indeed, it is thanks to water that food can progress correctly through the intestines. It is therefore recommended to drink 1.5L of water per day to allow transit to be well stimulated and stools to have the desired consistency to facilitate their evacuation. Also think about herbal teas, especially those based on verbena, chamomile or mint which help digestion.
3. Engage in physical activity to revive the sluggish intestine
This can be a simple digestive walk of 10 to 15 minutes after your meals. The best, however, is to practice sports activities 2 to 3 times a week, especially those that work the abdominal muscles which support the intestines and their proper functioning.
4. DIJO natural products to wake up the sluggish intestine
If you suffer from intestinal laziness, we obviously advise you to turn to natural remedies to relieve yourself, with a duo that targets occasional or chronic constipation: Indispensable Probiotics and Bye Bye Constipation . Intestinal transit is improved thanks to probiotics (in a minimum two-month course) while the action of specific Light Transit plants revitalize the functions of the emunctory organs, essential to digestion . If you prefer to take just one product at a time, in this case, we recommend Bye Bye Constipation which provides the fiber and nutrients necessary to relieve constipation. Stools are better hydrated and quickly evacuated. DIJO products are your allies in cases of intestinal laziness.
5. Stomach massages
It is a natural remedy, easy to use on a daily basis to relieve constipation. Perform a belly massage for 2 minutes, morning and evening, making sure to follow a clockwise direction. In our article 3 tips for digesting well , Cynthia, osteopath shows you how to do it in video.
6. Adopt the correct position on the toilet
You may not know it, but certain positions are more favorable than others for the evacuation of stools. The classic position, sitting on the toilet, is actually not physiologically the most favorable, whereas the squatting position is! To do this, simply raise your feet on a small stool and lean slightly forward. Not easy to apply at a restaurant or with friends, you will tell us, but in this case, you can then grab your knees with your hands and gently tilt backwards, in order to find your balance.
You now have all the cards in hand to heal and wake up your sluggish intestines .
