Why Does Constipation Worsen in Summer?

Hot summer season is a time when a lot of sweat is lost, leading to significant loss of body fluids and electrolytes, so caution is needed to prevent constipation.

Constipation refers to symptoms where bowel movements are significantly less frequent than normal or difficult to pass. It is the most common digestive disorder, especially prevalent among women and the elderly.

Inside the approximately 1.5m long tube-shaped large intestine, there are food residues we consume along with electrolytes, fluids, bacteria, and gases. When muscle activity in the large intestine increases due to meals, the stored contents are expelled through the anus.

If there is insufficient fluid at this time, the stool expelled through the anus becomes hard, making it difficult to defecate or leading to hardened stool and constipation.

▲If excessive straining is required during bowel movements ▲If stool is hard or lumpy ▲If there is a feeling of incomplete evacuation ▲If there is a sensation of anal blockage ▲If bowel movements occur less than three times a week, constipation can be suspected.

If constipation is left untreated, straining to expel residual stool or hard stool can cause hemorrhoids, commonly called piles.

If bleeding or pain occurs due to hemorrhoids, bowel movements become difficult, leading to a vicious cycle where hemorrhoids and constipation worsen each other. Therefore, it is important to prevent constipation from the start.

[Image source=Clipart Korea]

Dr. Jo Ho-young, a colorectal specialist at Daedong Hospital, said, “In summer, not only does fluid intake decrease, but some people suffer from constipation due to fiber deficiency caused by one-food diets or drastically reducing meal amounts before vacations,” and advised, “Eating well, sleeping well, and having regular bowel movements are the basics of a healthy life, so efforts should be made to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.”

To prevent constipation, it is good to set a regular time when the large intestine is active and try to have bowel movements then.

If defecation is difficult, using a footstool about 15cm high to flex the hip joint can help, and during bowel movements, it is recommended to avoid using smartphones, newspapers, or books and not to sit on the toilet for more than 10 minutes.

When feeling the urge to defecate, go to the bathroom immediately, and if bowel movements occur without difficulty every three days, it is considered normal, so do not be obsessed with having daily bowel movements. Residual stool after defecation can cause inflammation, so it is best to wash thoroughly using a bidet or shower and dry well.

It is good to drink enough fluids and have regular high-quality meals. Consuming a lot of coffee, alcohol, or salty foods causes diuretic effects, leading to fluid loss in the body, so consume these in moderation.

Foods rich in fiber can help relieve constipation, but sudden excessive intake may cause abdominal bloating, pain, and gas, so it is better to gradually increase the amount consumed.

For smooth bowel movements, it is good to exercise regularly with activities suitable for oneself, and in summer, pay attention to replenishing fluids and electrolytes with ion drinks before and after exercise.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.