What are the reasons for constipation caused by excessive internal heat

Constipation caused by excessive internal heat may be related to factors such as improper diet, insufficient water intake, gastrointestinal dysfunction, imbalanced gut microbiota, and medication side effects. Shanghuo usually refers to the thermal symptoms caused by the imbalance of yin and yang in the body, while constipation is manifested as difficulty in defecation or reduced frequency of defecation.

1. Improper diet

Long term consumption of spicy, stimulating, greasy, or high protein foods can easily lead to gastrointestinal heat accumulation, which in turn can cause constipation. These types of foods can exacerbate the body's dryness and heat, leading to insufficient intestinal fluid and difficulty in excreting dry stool. Improvement measures include increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, bananas, and other foods rich in dietary fiber, which can help promote intestinal peristalsis.

2. Insufficient water intake

Insufficient daily water intake can lead to dryness of intestinal contents and exacerbate difficulty in defecation. Especially in high-temperature environments or when water is not replenished in a timely manner after exercise, a large amount of water in the body is consumed, the absorption of water by the intestines increases, and feces become hard. It is recommended to drink 1500-2000 milliliters of warm water daily, which can be consumed in small amounts in small portions to avoid drinking large amounts at once.

3. Gastrointestinal dysfunction

Long term mental stress or irregular sleep patterns may cause abnormal gastrointestinal motility, manifested as weakened intestinal motility and delayed transmission. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as bloating and loss of appetite. Improvement can be achieved through regular sleep patterns, abdominal massage, and other methods. If necessary, medical attention should be sought to investigate the presence of organic diseases.

4. Imbalance of gut microbiota

Excessive use of antibiotics or a single dietary structure may lead to a decrease in probiotics, overgrowth of harmful bacteria, and affect intestinal digestion and absorption function. This situation may be accompanied by symptoms such as bad breath and bloating. Yogurt or probiotic preparations containing bifidobacteria can be supplemented appropriately, but should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

5. Drug side effects

Some traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations for the treatment of upper heat, such as Huanglian Shangqing Tablet, Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet, contain rhubarb, senna leaf and other ingredients. Long term use may lead to intestinal dependence, and increase constipation after drug withdrawal. Some calcium and iron supplements can also cause difficulty in defecation. If medication related constipation occurs, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner to adjust the medication plan.

To prevent constipation caused by excessive internal heat, it is necessary to maintain a light diet, moderately increase foods rich in dietary fiber such as oats and sweet potatoes, and engage in moderate daily exercise such as walking and rubbing the abdomen to promote intestinal peristalsis. If constipation persists for more than two weeks after adjusting lifestyle, or is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloody stools, it is recommended to seek medical attention in the gastroenterology department in a timely manner to rule out organic diseases such as intestinal obstruction and hypothyroidism. When special populations such as pregnant women and elderly people experience constipation, they should use safer laxatives such as lactulose oral solution and glycerin under the guidance of a doctor.