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Not cleaning the stomach properly after waking up in the morning, sitting on the toilet seat for hours and feeling heaviness or distension in the stomach throughout the day has become a very common problem. Most people consider it to be normal constipation and try to manage it by drinking Triphala powder, Isabgol husk, hot water or various types of decoctions for weeks and months.
Gastroenterologists say that sometimes not being able to clean the stomach can be the result of eating disorders, but if this problem has become old i.e. chronic, then relying only on home remedies can be dangerous. Inadequate bowel movements can be related to the internal functioning of the digestive system, coordination of nerves and serious diseases developing in the intestines.
If your stomach is not cleared even after drinking plenty of water and eating green vegetables, then any of the following medical reasons may be responsible for it:
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1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C):
IBS is a functional disorder related to the intestines. In one of its types, ‘IBS-Constipation’, the intestinal muscles contract very slowly. Due to this, the stool becomes very hard and the patient constantly feels as if his stomach is never completely emptied (Incomplete Evacuation). Along with this, severe problem of stomach cramps and gas persists.
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2. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:
Many times the problem is not in the stomach or intestines, but in the pelvic muscles that support the anus. These muscles should be relaxed while defecating, but when coordination deteriorates, they contract in reverse. In this situation, no matter how hard the patient tries, the stool does not come out easily. This is called ‘obstructed defecation’ in medical language.
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3. Hypothyroidism (dull thyroid gland):
When the thyroid gland present in the neck is not able to produce thyroid hormone in sufficient quantity, the metabolism of the entire body becomes extremely slow. It has a direct effect on intestinal motility (Peristalsis). Due to slow digestion system, food remains in the intestines for a long time and the problem of severe constipation arises.
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4. Intestinal obstruction or polyps:
When any kind of lump, polyp, swelling or tumor is formed in the large intestine, the natural passage of stool starts getting blocked. If the stool starts becoming very thin (pencil-thin stool) along with the stomach not being cleared, then it can be a sign of a serious blockage in the intestines or a colorectal problem.
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5. Diabetic Gastroparesis and Neuropathy:
In patients with chronically uncontrolled diabetes, the autonomic nerves that control the digestive system become damaged. Due to this, the natural movement of the intestines almost stops, due to which food is not able to pass through the stomach and chronic constipation occurs.
If you notice any of the following symptoms along with the complaint of not clearing the stomach, immediately contact a specialist gastroenterologist:
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Blood coming with the stool or the color of the stool being completely black.
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Sudden rapid weight loss without any dieting or effort.
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Unbearable stomach pain, cramps or vomiting.
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Sudden severe loss of appetite and feeling of severe weakness.
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The problem of indigestion suddenly starts for the first time after the age of 50.
Most of the stomach cleansing powders and laxatives available in the market contain stimulant ingredients like ‘Senna’. By consuming them continuously, the intestines become addicted to them and their natural shrinking ability gets destroyed, which is called ‘Lazy Bowel Syndrome’ in medical language.
Therefore, do not take any medicine or powder continuously without doctor’s advice. Maintain a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet, walk for at least 30 minutes daily, drink enough water and if the problem persists, get the necessary tests done like intestinal endoscopy or colonoscopy and start treatment for the correct disease.