Why the intestines need water

In order for a person to live, eat and go to the toilet normally, a sufficient amount of water must enter the intestines. But why does the intestines need water and what happens if there is not enough of it?

Consequences of lack of water in the intestines

For feces to form normally, dietary fiber and sufficient fluid are needed. These are two mandatory nutritional conditions that help combat constipation and prevent it. When there is not enough water in the intestines, the intestinal walls begin to absorb it, and then the feces do not receive water. They become dry and move poorly through the intestines, resulting in constipation.

In addition, when there is a lack of water in the intestines, its walls begin to contract less actively, which is why feces also move poorly.

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Why do stools become dehydrated?

This happens because a person:

• consumes little liquid;
• loses it in excess through urine and sweat;
• the body lacks magnesium and potassium salts, which causes the body to become dehydrated;
• there is little dietary fiber in the food consumed, which means that the feces cannot accumulate enough water;
• there is too little pectin in food, which can be obtained from fruits and which has the beneficial property of retaining fluid in the body, for example, 60 grams of liquid per 1 gram of pectin;
• eats a lot of bran, which retains little liquid - more than 4 grams of water per 1 gram of bran, in addition, bran increases the volume of feces.

When your doctor prescribes treatment for constipation, he or she should first of all pay attention to the fact that there is enough water in your diet – this ensures that the intestines are hydrated.

The Importance of Water in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Constipation

Dehydration is a key factor in many health problems, including irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS. If the body is “dry” or dehydrated, it will be felt first in the colon.

Dryness in the colon can lead to inflammation and irritation of the lining of the digestive tract. IBS symptoms can then become even more severe.

Symptoms of constipation due to lack of water

Irritable bowel syndrome, which is also associated with constipation, can be aggravated by dietary and environmental stressors. In fact, according to recent research, about 50% of people suffering from stress experience worsening constipation symptoms during times of stress.

Symptoms of constipation that particularly affect the colon include:

• Bloating that often subsides overnight but returns the next day
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Diarrhea and/or constipation
• Rectal pain
• A desperate need to go to the toilet, especially after breakfast
• Irritable bowel syndrome

The good news is that drinking 6-8 glasses of filtered or bottled water every day will definitely help keep your colon healthy and your entire body hydrated. Water also helps keep foods like brown rice, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your gut.

However, drinks such as tea, coffee, alcohol, carbonated soft drinks and syrups act as diuretics on the intestines. As a result, they take water and some useful minerals such as magnesium from the body. Therefore, if you suffer from constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, you should try to avoid these drinks.

Having enough water in your body should help relieve constipation symptoms. In addition, it will allow your body to flush out toxins and effectively perform many of the metabolic functions necessary for good health.

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Adequate water supply is especially important for the intestines

Without enough water, the contents of the intestines tend to dry out. The lining of the colon also changes, becoming thicker and stickier, and not providing a smooth lubrication for the passage of feces.

Exercise regularly, but gently, as this stimulates muscle activity and helps peristalsis. Yoga is a good idea as it strengthens the intestinal muscles and increases intestinal mobility, within the capabilities of any person.

To give your intestines more attention, massage them gently clockwise around, to the right and down, then to the left, doing this gently but firmly.

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Supplements

There are two main ways to encourage better bowel movements with supplements: using bulking agents or taking laxatives.

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Fillers

These include foods like flaxseed and psyllium, which are filled with lots of water, causing the food to swell inside the intestines. This helps soften the stool and provides the basic strengthening needed for the intestinal walls. They can be very effective and have no side effects if taken with enough water.

These products are suitable for long-term use and will result in softer, bulkier stools. For many people, this involves some dietary changes, and they need to be disciplined in taking these products, even if it has not been part of their eating habits before.

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