Surprisingly, Constipation Has Become A Common Problem Among Middle School Students
May 28, 2025
Surprisingly, constipation has become a common problem among middle school students
In people's perception, constipation seems to be a "problem" for middle-aged and elderly people, but you may not expect that constipation is becoming increasingly rampant among middle school students nowadays. The School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong conducted a study on the relationship between activities and constipation among 32000 secondary school students in Hong Kong. The data is astonishing, with 15.6% of the surveyed students experiencing constipation, which means they defecate less than three times a week. The Shuguang Hospital affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine conducted a screening and survey on functional constipation among students under 18 years old in Chongming District, Shanghai. Among the 4969 students who participated in the survey, 693 had functional constipation, with a prevalence rate of 13.95%.
There are also many examples of this around us. A friend's child is in high school and has a busy study schedule every day. They have to wake up and study early before 6 am, and can only rest after self-study ends at around 10 pm. Long-term sitting and studying, coupled with a lack of time for exercise, have led to the disappearance of regular bowel habits, from once a day to once every three to four days. Each bowel movement is very difficult, and the complexion has become wax yellow. According to news reports, a 16-year-old girl named Xiao Mei left a 20-centimeter scar on her left abdomen due to long-term constipation. The reason was actually to pursue slimness. She started secretly taking weight loss pills at the age of 13, which damaged her intestinal nerves and muscle function, and eventually led to a vicious cycle of constipation.
The 'culprits' behind it: academic pressure and lack of exercise
What is the reason that causes constipation to target these high school students who should be full of vitality? After an in-depth exploration, it will be found that academic pressure and lack of exercise are the two main culprits.
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Academic pressure: the invisible 'disruptor' of the body
In middle school, academic pressure is always present. Facing a mountain of homework and frequent exams every day, students are highly nervous. From a neurological perspective, when a person is under stress, the brain secretes hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can interfere with the normal functioning of the intestinal nervous system, disrupting the rhythm of intestinal peristalsis and slowing down the originally regular intestinal movements. Before each exam, many students may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, and some may even experience worsening constipation, which is a manifestation of the direct impact of stress on the intestines.
The expectations from the family also invisibly bring tremendous pressure to children. Parents expect their children to become successful and their daughters to become phoenixes, and they pay special attention to their children's grades. The high expectations make their children constantly tense up during the learning process. The intense competitive atmosphere in schools also leaves students breathless, with the pressure of ranking and further education weighing heavily on their hearts. This long-term state of mental tension gradually becomes a "catalyst" for constipation problems.
Lack of exercise: a stumbling block to intestinal motility
The importance of exercise for intestinal health is self-evident; it is like a "booster" for the intestines. When we exercise, all parts of our body are active, and the muscles in our abdomen contract and relax rhythmically, which can directly promote intestinal peristalsis and make food transportation in the intestines smoother. For example, during running, body vibrations and muscle movements can promote the movement of substances in the intestines, helping with bowel movements.
But nowadays, middle school students are mostly trapped in the classroom. During the day, except for the brief break between classes, almost everyone remained in a sedentary state. In the morning, I sit and listen to lectures for several classes, and in the afternoon, I still sit and do homework. At night, I have to work hard at my desk until late at night. Long-term lack of exercise leads to a lack of exercise in the intestinal muscles, resulting in relaxation and weakness. The force that drives feces forward becomes weaker and weaker, leading to constipation. Related studies also indicate that the incidence of constipation in high school students who exercise regularly is significantly lower than that in students who exercise very little, which is sufficient to demonstrate the key role of exercise in preventing constipation.
Cistanche deserticola: the savior of constipation or a "minefield"
Faced with the increasingly serious problem of constipation among middle school students, many people have turned their attention to the traditional Chinese medicine Cistanche deserticola. Can it become a "savior" to solve constipation among middle school students? Let's delve deeper into it.
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The miraculous effects of Cistanche deserticola
Cistanche deserticola, known as the "desert ginseng", has a long history of application in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. In principle, Cistanche deserticola is rich in various active ingredients, among which phenylethanolic glycosides can promote intestinal peristalsis, injecting vitality into the intestine and restoring it to a positive working state. It can also inhibit the absorption of water by the large intestine, making stool soft and easy to excrete, just like replenishing water to dry stool, preventing it from becoming dry. In the "Compendium of Materia Medica", it is recorded that Cistanche deserticola is a medicine that nourishes the gate of life, nourishes kidney qi, and replenishes essence and blood. The "tonifying essence and blood" mentioned here is to some extent related to its effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, because sufficient essence and blood can provide better nourishment to the intestines, thus maintaining normal bowel function. Modern research has also shown that polysaccharides and other components in Cistanche deserticola have a regulatory effect on the gut microbiota, creating a favorable microecological environment for gut health and further promoting the normal functioning of the gut.
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Is it suitable for middle school students?
Middle school students are in a stage of rapid physical growth and development, and their physical functions are significantly different from those of adults. From the perspective of physical characteristics, the visceral function of middle school students is not yet fully developed, especially the spleen and stomach function is relatively weak. And the main reasons for their constipation, as mentioned earlier, are mostly academic pressure and lack of exercise, rather than simply physical weakness or intestinal fluid deficiency.
Although Cistanche deserticola has the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, it is mainly suitable for constipation caused by kidney yang deficiency and intestinal dryness and fluid deficiency. For middle school students, if constipation is caused by prolonged sitting and high stress, Cistanche deserticola may not be completely targeted. Moreover, Cistanche deserticola is warm in nature, and if used improperly, it can easily cause adverse reactions such as excessive internal heat, which can actually add burden to the bodies of middle school students. Therefore, if middle school students want to use Cistanche deserticola to relieve constipation, they must do so under the guidance of professional doctors or traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and must not blindly take it on their own.
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Scientific response, bidding farewell to constipation troubles
Faced with the thorny problem of constipation among middle school students, we cannot just sigh at the inconvenience, but actively adopt scientific and effective methods to cope, help middle school students get rid of the troubles of constipation, and regain health and vitality.
Improving lifestyle is fundamental
Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in intestinal health, acting as a "cleaner" in the intestines. Middle school students should eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as oats, brown rice, and other coarse grains. They retain more nutrients and dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis; Spinach, celery and other vegetables are rich in dietary fiber and various vitamins and minerals, which are beneficial for intestinal health; Fruits such as apples and bananas are not only delicious, but also contain dietary fiber such as pectin, which can soften stool and promote bowel movements. At the same time, it is important to ensure sufficient water intake every day. Generally, at least 1500-2000 milliliters of water should be consumed. Water is like the "lubricant" of the intestines, which can keep feces moist and smoothly excreted from the body. If you find plain water tasteless, you can add lemon slices, mint leaves, etc. to the water, which not only adds flavor but also promotes drinking water.
A regular sleep schedule is also crucial, just like setting a precise biological clock for the body. Middle school students should try to go to bed and wake up early to ensure sufficient sleep time every day, generally recommended 7-8 hours. Staying up late can disrupt the normal rhythm of the body and affect the normal function of the intestines. Developing good bowel habits is equally essential. Set a fixed time every day to go to the toilet, even if you don't feel like defecating, you can sit on the toilet for a few minutes to cultivate a bowel reflex. For example, half an hour after waking up in the morning or after meals is a more suitable time for defecation.
Moderate exercise is essential
Exercise is a good remedy for middle school students to improve constipation. Like running, it is a simple and efficient exercise that can exercise muscles throughout the body, enhance cardiovascular function, and also promote intestinal peristalsis. Middle school students can run 3-5 times a week, each time for about 30 minutes, at a pace that allows them to easily converse. Skipping rope is also a good choice, as it can quickly increase heart rate, enhance body coordination, and have a good stimulating effect on the intestines. You can group jump rope, 100-200 times per group, 3-5 groups per day. If conditions permit, swimming is also an excellent sport. In water, all parts of the body can be exercised, and the pressure on joints is relatively low. You can swim 2-3 times a week for 30-60 minutes each time.
Psychological adjustment is equally important
Middle school students face significant academic pressure, and learning to relax and adjust their mindset is crucial. Deep breathing is a simple and effective way to relax. When feeling nervous, find a quiet place to sit or lie down, slowly inhale, let the air fill the abdomen, feel the expansion of the abdomen, and then slowly exhale, exhaling all the air in the abdomen. Repeat several times to effectively relieve the tension. Listening to music is also a good choice. Choose your favorite soft music and listen to it during breaks or study breaks, allowing your body and mind to relax under the influence of music. In addition, parents and teachers should also pay attention to the mental health of middle school students, create a relaxed and harmonious family and learning environment, and provide them with timely care and support. When students encounter difficulties and pressure, they should patiently listen to their troubles and help them relieve negative emotions.
Correct understanding and reasonable choice
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The problem of constipation among middle school students should not be underestimated. It not only affects their physical health, but may also hurt their learning and life. When solving this problem, we need to approach it comprehensively and scientifically.
Comprehensive improvement of lifestyle is the foundation and key to solving constipation in middle school students. It covers multiple aspects such as diet, daily routine, exercise, and psychology, and is a systematic project. Only by starting from these aspects can we fundamentally improve intestinal function and alleviate constipation symptoms. As a traditional Chinese medicine, although Cistanche deserticola has its unique effects, it needs to be applied with extra caution when dealing with constipation in middle school students. Under the guidance of professional doctors and based on the specific physical condition of middle school students, it is necessary to determine whether it is suitable for use. Blindly following the trend and taking it at will should be avoided.
I hope every middle school student can get rid of constipation, have a healthy body, run freely on the track of youth, and pursue their dreams.
