With the rapid urbanization of society, where fast-paced lifestyles, diets rich in ultra-processed foods and stress-inducing rush-hour culture are common, constipation has emerged as a common, yet often ignored problem. goes. Global estimates of constipation among adults range from 11% to 20%.
How modern lifestyle is ruining your stomach
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Harshvardhan Rao B, professor and consultant, gastroenterology at MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, shared, “Although it is generally considered rare in the Indian community due to vegetarianism and increased fiber intake, But recent estimates show similar rates of constipation, especially in urban areas of the country where the prevalence was as high as 24%. This condition, which is marked by infrequent bowel movements and/or difficulty passing stools, affects a significant portion of the population, and several factors combine in urban settings to contribute to its increased prevalence.
He revealed, “There has been a drastic change in dietary habits with urbanization. The increasing consumption of low-fibre ultra-processed foods, which are convenient and widely available in urban areas, is the primary culprit. Fiber plays an important role in adding bulk to stool and facilitating bowel movements; Thus, diets lacking fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contribute significantly to constipation. This results in lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome due to poor nutrition, resulting in an increased burden of constipation in cities. Unfortunately, nutrition is expensive and difficult, but calories are cheap and easily available in cities.
Hustle Culture vs. Gut Health:
Inactivity and sedentary lifestyle, common in urban areas due to a large section of the population in desk-jobs, plays an equally important role in the increased prevalence of constipation. Dr. Harshvardhan Rao B said, “Regular physical activity stimulates intestinal contractions, helping stool move through the colon. Additionally, regular physical activity also prevents obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and many other lifestyle disorders that are associated with chronic constipation. Additionally, high stress levels, which are synonymous with urban life, have been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances, including constipation. Stress increases cortisol production, which can alter gut motility and fluid balance, causing stool to harden and bowel movements to decrease.
They concluded, “After all, urban lifestyles are often associated with sleep disorders. The tendency of urban dwellers to prioritize working long hours in front of computers, often at the expense of adequate, restful night’s sleep, is a major contributor to lifestyle-related disorders, including constipation. To tackle this problem, it is necessary to increase awareness about these contributing factors. Encouraging a balanced diet rich in fiber, ensuring adequate hydration, promoting active lifestyle habits, effectively managing stress, and prioritizing adequate sleep can collectively counteract the increasing prevalence of constipation in urban environments. .
