1 in 2 people will experience an episode of intestinal laziness or constipation at least once in their life . And to prevent the problem from becoming a problem, we tell you everything about the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments.
What is a lazy gut?
This term is used to describe the decrease in the efficiency of intestinal transit. A healthy digestive function allows food to be processed and moved to the colon, where it is then evacuated every day or up to three times a week. Below this frequency, we speak of intestinal laziness. This phenomenon can be occasional or become chronic, in both cases, it is important to take action and for this there are natural solutions to treat and wake up a lazy intestine .
What causes lazy bowel?
In the majority of cases, the cause of lazy bowel symptoms is not pathological. In some rarer cases, an intestinal disease may be the cause of the symptoms, but most of the time, the causes are linked, for example, to insufficient water intake or an unbalanced diet low in fiber. A sedentary lifestyle and age can also be possible factors, as it is observed that it affects older people more than younger people.
This disorder also affects women more than men, and hormones are thought to be the cause, particularly in terms of progesterone, which plays a role in the functioning of intestinal muscles. Stools have difficulty moving forward, become dehydrated, and become more difficult to evacuate.
Sometimes we also notice a slowing down of transit in the case of long journeys by train or plane.
Pregnancy is also a favorable period for slower transit due to hormonal and physiological changes.
Finally, taking medication and its side effects can trigger intestinal laziness, for example antidepressants, anxiolytics or even codeine and opiates.
Signs and Symptoms of Lazy Bowel
Not sure if you have lazy bowel? Here are the signs and symptoms that should tip you off.
1. Bloating, a sign of intestinal laziness
If you have a lazy bowel, you're probably suffering from abdominal bloating, which is the result of a buildup of gas in the digestive system. The buildup can be in the stomach, small intestine, or colon, and is usually accompanied by belching (or burping, as it's called) and flatulence.
2. Abdominal pain, a symptom of lazy bowel
Just like bloating, gas buildup in the digestive system can also lead to abdominal pain. Going to the bathroom less frequently can also cause pain or a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
3. Constipation and lazy bowel
It's hard to miss this symptom when you suffer from intestinal laziness. In fact, the low frequency of stools causes them to harden and makes it difficult to evacuate.
4. The link between headaches and sluggish bowel movements
Headaches have been reported by people with lazy bowel syndrome/
5. Mood swings and irritability, signs of lazy bowel
Research has shown that patients with lazy bowel syndrome may also experience mood disorders such as depression, stress, anxiety, and irritability. This is because there is a constant communication between the gut and brain, known as the gut-brain axis, which can impact mood and emotional well-being.
Treatments to heal and wake up a lazy gut
Symptoms of a lazy bowel can make everyday life difficult, so it's important to address them. Rest assured, there are natural and easy-to-implement treatments to overcome a lazy bowel .
1. Consume more fiber to wake up a lazy gut
For your health, especially your gut health, it is recommended to consume between 30 and 45g of fiber per day. It is found in vegetables and fruits (figs, apples, prunes, white beans, and spinach), as well as legumes (chickpeas and lentils) and whole grains (whole wheat, brown rice, oats, and barley).
2. Drink at least 1.5L of water per day to counteract lazy bowel movements
It's proven that good hydration contributes to the proper functioning of intestinal transit. Indeed, it is thanks to water that food can progress properly through the intestines. It is therefore recommended to drink 1.5L of water per day to allow transit to be well stimulated and stools to have the desired consistency to facilitate their evacuation. Also consider herbal teas, particularly those based on verbena, chamomile or mint which aid digestion.
3. Exercise to restart a lazy bowel
This can be as simple as a 10- to 15-minute digestive walk after your meals. However, it's best to do some physical activity 2 to 3 times a week, especially those that work the abdominal muscles that support the intestines and keep them functioning properly.
4. Abdominal massages
This is a natural remedy that's easy to implement on a daily basis to relieve constipation. Massage your stomach for 2 minutes, morning and evening, making sure to move in a clockwise direction. In our article 3 tips for good digestion , Cynthia, osteopath, shows you how to do it in a video.
5. Adopt the correct position on the toilet
You may not know this, but some positions are more conducive to bowel movements than others. The classic position, sitting on the toilet, is actually physiologically not the most conducive, while the squatting position is! To do this, simply raise your feet on a small stool and lean slightly forward. Not easy to apply at a restaurant or at a friend's house, you might say, but in this case, you can then grab your knees with your hands and gently tilt backward to find your balance.
You now have all the cards in hand to treat and wake up your lazy intestines .
