What is constipation?
According to the WHO, constipation is defined as passing less than 3 stools per week. This disorder is accompanied by hard, infrequent stools, difficulty evacuating, bloating , gas , which can cause more or less intense abdominal pain. Constipation can be occasional, with a frequency of less than 3 bowel movements per week, or chronic when it has lasted for at least 6 months.
It can be due to various causes, whether medical or not.
Constipation and its causes
Acute or chronic constipation is multifactorial. It can result from several causes, but we mainly find:
- A diet rich in processed fats, low in fiber and not very diversified
- Insufficient hydration : during digestion, the body absorbs water from stools
- A sedentary lifestyle : lack of physical activity can cause a slowdown and weakening of digestive transit.
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pregnancy : constipation is caused by hormonal upheaval, notably progesterone which helps maintain uterine calm and slows down intestinal transit.
The best constipation food supplements
Tamarind and constipation
Tamarind is a fruit from the tamarind tree, a tree native to Africa, which has digestive benefits thanks to its richness in minerals, fibers and active ingredients. The tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate contained in this fruit give it surprising digestive benefits. In fact, this helps regulate and limit the occurrence of bloating , flatulence and constipation . In addition, it acts by activating the production of bile which facilitates digestion, particularly of fats.
It is important to respect the precautions for use as well as the recommended dosages when supplementing with tamarind.
Boldo and constipation
Boldo is a large shrub whose leaves, concentrated in active ingredients, have multiple benefits for intestinal health. The main active compound is boldine, a powerful alkaloid, which promotes the excretion of bile which accelerates intestinal transit and facilitates the digestion process . It is important to respect the precautions for use in order to avoid the risk of overdose or non-recommended supplementation.
Dandelion and constipation
Considered a weed, dandelion is a perennial plant that has astonishing diuretic and depurative properties. It is mainly recognized for its role in supporting the excretory function of the kidneys and participates in the elimination of water from your body, particularly in the event of water retention. But the fibers it contains are also responsible for a mild laxative effect. Dandelion can be used in cases of constipation. It is important to respect the precautions for use in order to avoid the risk of overdose or non-recommended supplementation.
Probiotics and constipation
We don't always make the connection, but an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota can be the cause of a weakening of intestinal transit and therefore the occurrence of constipation. Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that help restore and maintain the balance of intestinal flora. Indeed, good bacteria, notably Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria , counter the entry of pathogens by strengthening the intestinal wall while promoting proper functioning of the digestive , immune and metabolic systems.
Prevent constipation with DIJO food supplements
At DIJO, we are committed to supporting you towards intestinal and digestive well-being; This is why we have designed products that target both chronic and occasional constipation. Discover our natural and effective solution to combat constipation problems.
Our product Bye Bye Constipation , a combination of plants, fruits and nutrients known for their effects on intestinal transit. Combined with our favorite treatment, Indispensable Probiotics, and the Detox Potion product in the anti-constipation pack , your transit is boosted for guaranteed evacuation.
There is no lasting colonization of the intestinal flora with supplementation, so it is important to repeat the treatments for deeper and lasting effects.
Sources :
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[2] Li, Y., Chen, Y., & Sun-Waterhouse, D. (2022). The potential of dandelion in the fight against gastrointestinal diseases: A review. Journal of ethnopharmacology , 293 , 115272.
[3] Šola KF, Vladimir-Knežević S, Hrabač P, Mucalo I, Saso L, Verbanac D. The effect of multistrain probiotics on functional constipation in the elderly: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2022 Dec;76(12):1675-1681. doi:10.1038/s41430-022-01189-0. Epub 2022 Aug 4. PMID: 35927504; PMCID: PMC9708599.
[4] Wegner A, Banaszkiewicz A, Kierkus J, Landowski P, Korlatowicz-Bilar A, Wiecek S, Kwiecien J, Gawronska A, Dembinski L, Czaja-Bulsa G, Socha P. The effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 as an adjunct to macrogol in the treatment of functional constipation in children. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol. 2018 Oct;42(5):494-500. doi: 10.1016/j.clinre.2018.03.008. Epub 2018 Apr 9. PMID: 29650440.
[5] Boeing T, Mariano LNB, Dos Santos AC, Tolentino B, Vargas AC, de Souza P, Nesello LAN, da Silva LM. Gastroprotective effect of the alkaloid boldine: Involvement of non-protein sulfhydryl groups, prostanoids and reduction on oxidative stress. Chem Biol Interact. 2020 Aug 25;327:109166. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109166. Epub 2020 Jun 9. PMID: 32531310.
