Be Careful in Summer! Is Your Stool Becoming Mummified? The Pitfalls of Constipation Caused by Dehydration
With record-breaking temperatures continuing, recent summers are a season that places various burdens on our bodies.
Of particular concern is constipation caused by dehydration.
Your stool might also be on the path to becoming mummified.
In this article, we will explain the causes of and countermeasures for summer constipation.
What are the causes of summer constipation?
The two main causes that worsen summer constipation are as follows:
Dehydration due to perspiration: Summer is a season with high temperatures, making it easy to sweat. As you sweat, water is lost from the body, and moisture is drawn from the stool, making it prone to hardening.
Loss of appetite due to summer fatigue: When appetite decreases due to summer fatigue from the heat, food intake drops, which consequently reduces the amount of water that can be ingested through meals.
Do not underestimate the water content of stool
Approximately 80% of stool is composed of water (about 80ml per 100g of stool).
About 7% consists of food residue, and the remainder includes intestinal bacteria and shed intestinal mucosa.
Most water is excreted as urine or sweat.
While the proportion that transitions into stool is not high even when you drink water, looking at the components of stool reveals that water plays a very important role.
When water is insufficient, stool becomes hard and difficult to pass.
Recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare! The importance of "one more glass"
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also recommends drinking "one more glass" of water as a measure against dehydration.
This suggests that there is a possibility that we are more dehydrated than we usually realize.
Especially in summer, it is important to consciously try to stay hydrated. Let's make sure to drink water frequently before feeling thirsty.
Drinking water frequently is actually also effective for dieting.
For more details, please also refer to the following note.
Additional constipation countermeasures: things you can do starting today
To resolve summer constipation, let's put the following measures into practice.
Frequent hydration: Replenish fluids frequently before you feel thirsty. You can utilize not only water and tea but also sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions.
Consume dietary fiber: Dietary fiber (especially water-soluble types) has the function of retaining water within the intestines.
Balanced Diet: Even when you have no appetite, try to eat a balanced diet as much as possible. Actively consume vegetables, fruits, and seaweed that are rich in dietary fiber.
Moderate Exercise: Light exercise promotes intestinal peristalsis and is effective in improving bowel movements. Try to move your body within a reasonable range, such as through walking or stretching.
Regular Lifestyle: Lack of sleep and an irregular lifestyle can cause autonomic nervous system imbalances, which may lead to constipation. Try to maintain a regular lifestyle.
Summer is a season when you need to be careful about constipation caused by dehydration.
Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, get moderate exercise, and maintain a regular lifestyle to spend a summer free from constipation.
If constipation persists, please consider visiting a medical institution.