Lifestyle Changes to Manage Constipation: Can CBD Help?
Written By
Nishant Garund
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Varuni AgarwalDr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.
While most of us deal with constipation, some people have it worse than others. Constipation typically lasts a short while, but the symptoms can be uncomfortable. However, chronic constipation can affect some people's bowel motions for a very long time. Constipation is increasingly common as people age, although the body's natural ageing process is not to blame. At times, older people are required to take drugs that can slow down the digestive system frequently. They're also less likely to maintain healthy eating habits, get enough exercise, and drink enough water, all of which contribute to the body's operation. Heavy reliance on OTC laxatives to relieve constipation has its side effects. Additionally, taking CBD for constipation can address both the causes and symptoms of constipation as part of an all-encompassing therapy strategy. It aids in the smooth function of your natural bodily processes. By addressing the underlying reasons, CBD can ease some types of constipation. Patients with constipation can benefit indirectly from its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Table of Contents
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Constipation
You may get rid of or manage constipation by altering your way of life and dietary habits. These below-mentioned tricks should be effective in most cases, but more serious cases of constipation, particularly those caused by underlying medical issues, may need medical care.
Exercise can help
Exercise may help reduce constipation symptoms, according to numerous studies. Sedentary lifestyles have been associated in studies with a higher incidence of constipation. Due to this, some medical professionals advise increasing exercise to help the stool move.
However, only some studies support the notion that exercise relieves constipation. Consequently, more investigation is required. Even though exercise did not necessarily reduce bathroom visits, some studies have shown that it did lessen some symptoms and raise the quality of life ratings. Brisk walking is a moderate workout that can help people dealing with poor digestion and other issues such as constipation and IBS. Alternatively, you can choose a form of exercise you are comfortable sticking to.
Stay Hydrated
Since water makes up most of our bodies, maintaining sufficient hydration is essential for healthy body operation. Water improves metabolism and can lessen the likelihood of any digestive problems.
It will be easier to rehydrate your body and ensure regular bowel movements if you drink plenty of water. Additionally, frequent water consumption can greatly reduce the risk of constipation. When you drink less water, your faeces become harder and more challenging to pass through the digestive tract. Staying hydrated and consuming enough fibre is your best chance at avoiding constipation.
Tip: Consuming coconut water might help you stay hydrated and detoxified. It improves kidney performance and revs up the digestive system. Additionally, coconut water contains magnesium naturally, which supports the movement of faeces by the muscles in the intestinal wall.
Add probiotics to your diet
Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, two probiotics, may aid in preventing persistent constipation. Probiotics are live, healthy bacteria that are found in the gut naturally. An unbalanced bacterial population in certain sufferers of persistent constipation. More probiotic food consumption may help to maintain this balance and avoid constipation. You can treat constipation by taking probiotics daily to increase stool frequency and consistency. Creating short-chain fatty acids and enhancing digestive motions may also aid in treating constipation and make it simpler to pass faeces.
To test if it helps with constipation, you can try taking probiotic supplements or eating more probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Boost your fibre intake
The first defence against constipation is eating the proper foods high in fibre. Your gut microbiome, bowel movements, and general well-being can all be impacted by what you consume. By giving your stool more volume and hastening its passage through your intestines, consuming more high-fibre foods will help you control your bowel movements. If you have trouble getting enough fibre in your diet, a fibre supplement may help you avoid constipation.
Fibre supplements make the stool heavier and softer, which makes it easier to pass through your intestines. Online or in stores, there are numerous over-the-counter solutions. They come in various forms, including gummies, fibre products, powder, and capsules. It's crucial to remember that fibre supplements, which act as mild laxatives, might occasionally produce mild cramping. However, they are typically tolerated well. And depending on how frequently you experience constipation, you should utilise a fibre supplement regularly.
Caffeine can help
Some folks may feel more of a need to use the restroom after drinking coffee. This is so because coffee activates the digestive system's muscles. Drinking caffeinated coffee can encourage bowel movement by causing the muscles in the intestines to contract. The stool may be propelled toward the rectum by this stimulation. While caffeinated coffee can aid in bowel movement, it can dehydrate you. To avoid worsening the issue, drink enough water while consuming caffeinated beverages.
Small levels of soluble fibres may also be present in coffee, which assist in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria and avoiding constipation. However, those with IBS may more strongly experience caffeine's bowel-stimulating effects. Additionally, it might exacerbate stomach problems. You can eliminate caffeine from the diet to determine if it helps those with IBS.
Try CBD oil
CBD oil might be the solution if you're looking for a natural way to treat constipation. Cannabis-derived CBD oil (cannabis oil uses) has been demonstrated to aid with several medical conditions. For those unaware, the cannabis plant family includes both the hemp and marijuana plants; despite the lack of studies specifically examining CBD's effects on constipation, existing data points to CBD's potential to address the root causes of this uncomfortable symptom.
Swollen veins, stomach pain, inflammation, and regular bowel movements can all be treated with CBD by modulating the endocannabinoid system's activity and lowering inflammation. In addition to easing constipation, CBD oil may be a preventative supplement. One of the most profound cannabis oil uses can assist with constipation by assisting with stool movement through the intestines and activating the digestive tract. There are no serious adverse effects associated with CBD oil, making it safe. But it might make you feel a little sleepy. Before using CBD oil, discuss with your doctor if you are currently taking other medications.
How to take CBD for constipation?
Everybody needs a different amount of CBD for constipation. Never presume that what treated a friend's problems will also treat yours. You could require a different dose for you. Start cautiously and with the lowest dose if you're just getting started. Although it rarely has negative effects, CBD oil is generally safe. Sleepiness is the most frequent adverse effect. Additionally, CBD oil may result in mild diarrhoea, dry mouth, or nausea. Typically, these adverse effects are minor and transient.
Stop using CBD oil and consult your doctor if you notice any severe negative effects. When taking CBD oil to treat constipation, there are a few safety concerns to keep in mind. If you are using any other medications, see your doctor before using CBD oil. Always start with a low dose and gradually raise it as necessary. Use of CBD oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not advised.
When to visit a doctor for constipation?
It would help if you experienced some improvement after adjusting your diet, exercise regimen, stress level, and medication regimen. It may be helpful to contact a doctor if the issue persists despite your efforts to fix it and It could be persistent constipation or something else.
Additionally, it is advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible if you experience unexplained weight loss, excruciating abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding, nausea, or loss of appetite. Overall, constipation is a condition that affects every one of us occasionally. Concentrate on increasing the amount of fibre in your diet, getting some exercise most days, staying hydrated, and using the restroom as necessary. Your constipation may also be relieved by natural home remedies.