Many people still hesitate to talk about certain health problems, such as constipation, although it's a fact that almost everyone goes through it at some point in time.
Constipation is a condition of the digestive system where a person has hard faeces that are difficult to expel. Being constipated means, there is difficulty in passing stools or a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. It is said that constipation may also affect metabolism and hinder weight loss.
About 22 percent Indian adults in urban areas suffer from constipation, a gut health survey by a multinational healthcare firm has suggested.
Kolkata tops the chart at 28 percent among eight cities where the survey—done by Abbott in association with a global market research firm—was undertaken.
According to the survey, Chennai, which follows Kolkata, has 24 percent population suffering from the condition and claiming to experience extreme pain while passing stools. Delhi, the national capital, has 23 percent population suffering from constipation and has the highest number of people consuming food from outside along with high intake of junk food, said the survey.
Among other cities, Patna, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Lucknow and Hyderabad reported a lower number of constipation sufferers compared to other three cities in the survey.
The survey results state that after common cold and cough, constipation is one of the most common self-claimed problems for Indians.
With constipation problems rising in India, especially in the urban population, experts blame faulty diet and lifestyle habits.
Not drinking enough water, less fibre intake, sedentary lifestyle are some of the major factors that attribute to constipation, thereby affecting the quality of life. Moreover, many lifestyle disorders like diabetes, hypertension are also associated with symptoms of constipation, said the survey.
The survey highlights the issue existing around constipation, one of the key aspects being how people neglect the problem and delay seeking medical help.
