Why do we get more constipated in summer?

• CONSTIPATION Should I be alarmed if I don't go to the bathroom?

• YOGA Asanas against constipation

There are travelers who value their bed more, the pillow on which they rest and, above all,

when they return from vacation.

"With the change of bathroom,

can cause constipation to appear," says Ángela Quintas, an expert in nutrition, digestive repair, weight loss and author of

(Ed. Planet).

CAUSES OF SUMMER CONSTIPATION

Although, the nutritional

lists many other factors why constipation is so common during the summer season.

"There is a

, changes in our habits, lack of exercise and dehydration due to high temperatures," she points out.

All this affects the intestine, about seven meters long, which stops working like a river if it has no current.

"The drier the stool, the

.

WHEN TO CONSIDER CONSTIPATION

Between

of Spaniards suffer from constipation, according to data from the Spanish Foundation for the Digestive System.

It is usually managed at the primary care level.

It is a symptom that is

, according to numerous studies, due to the condition of female hormones.

"We say symptom and not disease, because

in terms of normality when talking about intestinal transit," says Dr. Ángel Álvarez, Head of the Outpatient Unit and the Functional Disorders Unit of the Digestive System Service. of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital in Madrid.

The question he usually asks when a patient comes to his office is: "How often and what are the stools like?"

Less than three weekly or difficulty expelling

dry and hard stools are clear signs of constipation.

"In most cases, it causes discomfort but is not life-threatening. It can cause bloating, bloating, discomfort and even loss of appetite, but we don't have to be obsessed if we don't go to the bathroom every day," he says. the doctor.

So if on days off we move to another place, for example, a campsite and there is a change in our routine by missing the usual toilet, there is no reason to be alarmed.

"Normal could be established

.

TWICE AS MANY WOMEN THAN MEN

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However, the

affect the intestine and cause peristaltic movements to decrease in such a way that evacuation becomes more difficult, Quintas warns.

"Another complicated moment for women is pregnancy, where there is an increase in progesterone that

."

In addition, as pregnancy progresses, the uterus presses on the rectum and food has more difficulty making its way through our intestines, adds the expert.

NO TO LAXATIVES, YES TO REMEDIES

Grandma's remedies such as kiwi on an empty stomach are safe and can provide fiber.EM

Both Quintas and Álvarez

as a solution to constipation, despite the fact that we can easily find them in a pharmacy.

"The problem with overusing these drugs is that, as they say, we get lazy."

On the other hand, they are in favor of the so-called

, since many review our eating habits and introduce some necessary changes.

"Leaving a plum overnight in water to take it the next morning, a tablespoon of oil or a kiwi on an empty stomach is completely harmless and can provide fiber," says Álvarez.

"The consumption of seeds, such as flax and chia, can also alleviate constipation," adds Quintas.

But even more important is

.

"Constipation is a vicious circle, so the key is to drink about two liters of water a day. In summer, stools are usually smaller and more compact due to the heat and, therefore, are more difficult to expel," describes the doctor. .

TIPS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC

The position influences the ease when defecating, as well as looking for a schedule and being calm.EM

Gazpacho is also a wonderful invention to go to the bathroom, as it combines the liquid that hydrates and the fiber of the vegetables.

Other foods that both recommend are

, paying special attention to those that cause gas, such as artichokes or broccoli.

"The consumption of soluble fiber, about 25 grams, also increases the size of the bolus," says Quintas, who also mentions raisins, juices and tea.

We cannot forget to have

.

No stress, haste or pressure.

We can look for a fixed time to try it and advocate tricks like putting your feet up on a chair or squatting.

It may seem absurd, however, Ángela Quintas slides,

"we will make the puborectalis muscle facilitate the exit of feces".

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