Constipation is the difficulty of emptying a person’s bowel. If a person is pooping less than 3 times a week then he/she has constipation. In India, constipation is the most common illness after cold and cough. A Gut Health Survey conducted by Abbott claims that 22% of Indians are suffering from constipation with 13% suffering from severe constipation. 

This nationwide study also claims that the risk of constipation is higher in metro cities (23% likely) than in non-metro cities (19%). Out of all the Indian cities, Kolkata is facing the highest number of constipation sufferers (28%) followed by 26% sufferers in Chennai. 

Constipation and pre-medical conditions 

The risk of constipation is 2.2 times higher in patients with diabetes. Similarly, patients with hypothyroidism are 2.4 times at risk of constipation. Constipation in pregnancy is very common, especially in the second trimester. 1 in every 4 pregnant women has suffered from constipation. A whopping 33% of sufferers, in general, have never sought doctors’ treatment for their constipation. While 48% resort to using homemade remedies.  

Constipation in Children 

Almost 30% of children suffer from constipation. Mostly it happens when the child is being potty trained between the age of 2 - 3 years old. In the early stage of infancy, a child should defecate 4+ times a day. When the child reaches age 4, the defecation reduces to 1 or 2 times a day as they have gained control over their sphincter. A big help in this is toilet training. This training should start before the child turns 3 - 4 years old. 

Home remedies for Constipation 

Dehydration can cause constipation as good water intake can help your bowel movements. Eating high fibre foods too helps. Legumes like beans and lentils can effectively start your bowel movement. Including probiotics like dahi and chhass can help treat constipation. But if you are lactose or dairy intolerant consuming it would worsen your condition. For some, exercising can help solve constipation. Coffee too is useful as it stimulates gut muscles.