Struggling to defecate can lead to health problems, ranging from hemorrhoids to heart issues. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid straining during bowel movements.
In a series of studies, scientists have found an association between chronic constipation and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. This connection is believed to be partly mediated by systemic inflammation and shared genetic and lifestyle factors.
Regular exercise, which helps keep muscles toned, aids in maintaining normal bowel movements. Eating the skin of fruits is beneficial for fiber intake, a crucial element in easing constipation as fiber helps make stools softer and easier to pass. It's essential to move your bowels as soon as you feel the urge to prevent constipation from setting in.
One of the key points linking chronic constipation to cardiovascular disease and stroke is inflammation as a common pathway. Studies have found that markers of systemic inflammation, such as the neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR), are positively associated with chronic constipation. Elevated NPAR is also known to predict adverse cardiovascular events, suggesting that chronic constipation could contribute to cardiovascular risk via inflammatory pathways.
Another factor is the shared risk factors and genetic associations between constipation and cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Recent research indicates that constipation may share genetic etiology with these diseases, implying overlapping biological mechanisms that could increase cardiovascular risk in constipated patients.
Beyond direct biological mechanisms, constipation can worsen overall health and quality of life, which may indirectly enhance cardiovascular risk. Nutritional factors linked to constipation, such as low calcium intake, are associated with increased risks of hypertension and stroke, which are major contributors to cardiovascular disease.
While there is increasing observational evidence of an association, causality and the precise biological mechanisms remain under investigation. The current data support that chronic constipation may be a marker or contributing factor to cardiovascular disease and stroke risk, partly mediated by inflammation and overlapping risk factors.
To ease constipation, increasing daily fiber intake to 18-30 grams can be helpful. A fiber supplement like psyllium or methylcellulose can also help, but it's important to consult a doctor before adding it to your diet. Staying hydrated is essential for relieving constipation, with a recommended daily intake of 4-6 glasses of fluid, preferably water. Avoiding caffeinated beverages while constipated can help maintain hydration levels.
Foods rich in fiber include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereals. Fruits with edible seeds, such as strawberries and blueberries, are excellent sources of fiber. If constipation persists for more than three weeks, it's recommended to see a doctor, as it may be a sign of a more serious health issue.
- Maintaining a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grains can help improve fiber intake, which is crucial for easing chronic constipation and potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
- Chronic constipation, a condition linked to health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, might contribute to cardiovascular risk via inflammatory pathways, shared genetic and lifestyle factors, and indirectly through worsening overall health and quality of life.
- Scientific research indicates that nutrition, specifically low calcium intake, may be associated with both constipation and increased risks of hypertension and stroke, major contributors to cardiovascular disease.
