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Dehydration in winter can cause constipation! Use these 5 tips to deal with it

Did you know constipation and dehydration are interrelated? If not, read on to know the connection between the two!
Constipation can be managed if you’re hydrated. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Aayushi Gupta Published: 8 Jan 2023, 12:00 pm IST
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Everybody occasionally forgets to consume enough water. Particularly now, when the majority of us live sedentary lifestyles and spend more time sitting down at work than ever. Reduced level of water intake can lead to dehydration. When you are dehydrated, you may experience fatigue, drowsiness, and headaches. Apart from these side effects, the one most discussed is constipation

HealthShots got in touch with Dr Aruna Mallya, Senior Dietitian, KMC Hospital, Mangalore, to find out why dehydration can lead to constipation.

The link between dehydration and constipation

Water does so much to your body, including keeping you hydrated, maintaining skin radiance, and aiding in digestion by breaking down the food. It is crucial to monitor your water intake because failing to do so can result in dehydration, which raises the risk of mood swings, elevated body temperature, kidney stones, and constipation. Yes, dehydration can indeed contribute to constipation.

Dr Mallya says, “Lack of water in your body can cause several health issues including digestive issues. Your body will pull any available fluids to help food move through your system, and if there is not enough fluid available, this can result in constipation or bloating with slow digestion. That’s why staying well hydrated is essential.”

Lack of water intake causes dehydration. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Generally, constipation is also seen when a person is running a high fever, traveling, taking too many medicines when there is a restriction on fluid intake, or during pregnancy.

5 tips to deal with dehydration:

1. Drink enough water: Drink water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated. You can even set reminders to drink water.

2. Avoid caffeinated drinks: Drinking too many caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, colas, and alcohol leads to dehydration. So it is recommended to drink in moderation.

3. Fruits and veggies: You can also add water-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet.

4. Soups: Eating homemade soups, especially those cooked with herbs and seasonal vegetables, will help you drink more water.

5. Lemon water: It can give you a dose of vitamin C and can keep your body hydrated.

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Follow these 5 tips to avoid constipation:

1. Eat more fiber

Eating a high-protein diet and a fiber-rich diet can help reduce the risk of constipation. This diet helps to soften the stool and make it easier to pass out from the system. Pears, chickpeas, broccoli, brussels sprouts, apples, and carrots are great sources of fiber. For protein, add eggs, cottage cheese, and lentils to your diet.

Include a fiber-rich diet in your meal plan! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Drink enough water

Now that you have seen that not drinking enough water can lead to constipation, it is essential that you keep a check on your water intake.

3. Avoid dairy products

In some people, especially those who are lactose intolerant, consuming dairy products can lead to constipation. You should avoid consuming too much cheese and milk products to avoid constipation.

4. Stay physically active

Apart from following these tips to avoid dehydration and constipation, make sure your lifestyle is active. Staying always on the bed or couch can make you lazy and tired, inviting several health issues. If you don’t have time to exercise or follow a workout routine daily, make sure you take a morning walk and walk after eating your meal. By adopting these changes in your lifestyle, you can have a healthy digestive system and cure constipation.

 

 

Aayushi Gupta

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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