Common Myths and Facts about Constipation

Have you ever experienced the sense of pressing down or a crowded feeling in your lower abdomen? Yes? It’s the feeling of constipation. This can affect your lifestyle and can make your mornings hectic.

Scientifically, constipation is irregular and infrequent stool passing which can persist for more than a week. It is a digestive system disorder, occurs due to an excessive amount of water absorption from food in the colon. Thus, the person has hard stool which moves sluggishly in the digestive tract and makes it difficult to expel.  A less than three stools each week is a sign that you have constipation. Lesser the stool passing frequency causes more severe constipation.

Constipation is the most notable disease when it comes to gastrointestinal disorders. Around 4 million people have frequent constipation, resulting in 2.5 million doctor visits every year.

As common as this condition is more myths and misinformation surrounding about it. You must be heard or believe one of them. So, let’s discuss the majority of questions and myths you need to know, to fight constipation.

Myth 1: It is harmful or risky to take stimulant laxatives on a long-term basis to treat constipation.

Laxatives are usually prescribed to ease bowel congestion. Stimulant laxatives, usually intended for infrequent or brief use, have raised doubt regarding their safety due to the claims that they damage the intestine, increase the risk of colorectal cancer, and lead to dependency. 

Fact: If taken at approved and suggested dosages, stimulant laxatives are safe to use.

Myth 2: Stimulant laxatives lead to addiction.

Some people with severe chronic constipation may observe that with prolonged usage, they respond less to laxatives and may need higher dosages for the desired output. However, it does happen rarely. It is obvious that people with persistent constipation may need to maintain their therapy and risk relapsing if they stop. But that doesn’t indicate addiction or habit.

Fact: Laxatives are secure, effective, and reliable methods of treating constipation. Doesn’t have any additive effects.

So don’t hesitate to use laxative treatment for curing constipation. Get Softee laxative syrup, Duphalac oral solution, and other best laxatives at your doorstep at an affordable price in the market from Apollo Pharmacy.

If you have any doubts, visit or get an appointment with our online doctors for consultation and get the best constipation treatment from doctors in India. 

Myth 3: Constipation cause a risk because stools might persist for a longer time span in the colon and it leads to additional problems or diseases.

In ancient times there was a concept that when the stool remains in the colon for a longer period, the poison discharged from the stool leads to illness. The concept of ”autointoxication” made its comeback in the early 20th century. During the same period, the regular use of enemas, cleaning purgatives, and rarely partial or complete surgical removal of the colon was popularized to promote “Colon Health”.

Fact: There is no proof to say that "toxins” are produced in the intestines and get absorbed and cause other diseases.

Myth 4: Low fiber consumption can cause constipation.

Fiber makes stools voluminous and more repetitive, which may make it advantageous for constipation patients. But few studies also showed no significance while treating chronic constipation with fiber.

Henceforth it has been signified that low fiber intake cannot be a cause of chronic constipation, and that majority of patients are unlikely to see any major benefits from increasing fiber consumption to treat more severe constipation. 

Fact: Giving a chance to a high-fiber diet prior to the beginning of long-term medication or unique testing is suggested.

Myth 5: Hormonal fluctuations develop constipation.

There is research showed women with a type of severe constipation have a reduction in sex hormones. Another small study showed lowers release of GI hormones in chronic constipation patients. But that doesn’t define hormones are causing or affecting your stool passing process.

Fact: Though there is a correlation between hormonal changes and the digestion process, hormones don’t develop constipation.

These were the most common myths related to constipation. Let’s raise awareness and break the myths and misconceptions regarding constipation. And get desired help to fight constipation.