When you feel constipated, it can ruin your whole day and take over your thoughts. There can be discomfort, pain, and bloating that makes you feel like a different person. However, with a wide range of constipation remedies out there, there’s no reason to let constipation win. There are many methods to relieve your constipation and win back control over your bowel movements.
There’s no doubt that feeling bloated and constipated is a struggle for anyone and interferes with your daily functions. It can be harder to go about your day, including working, eating, exercising, and enjoying life. The added pounds of water retention and dulled mood can make you feel uncomfortable and less energetic. Luckily, there are steps you can take for constipation relief and treatment.
When you feel constipation coming on, it’s important to immediately start going through different measures to get your bowels moving again. Here are several different remedies to combat constipation and start recovering.
Drinking Water
Constipation occurs when stools in the colon become hydrated, so one of the first steps you should take is drinking more water. It might seem like an obvious tip, but many people don’t drink enough water throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water will help soften stools and make them easier to pass.
Eat Fiber
Eating a diet high in fiber can be beneficial in regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation. Good examples of high fiber foods include whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes. If you notice constipation or slowing bowel movements, increase your fiber intake.
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| Add more fiber-rich foods into your diet to prevent constipation. Source: nih.gov |
Regular Exercise
Having a weekly exercise regimen can be useful for reducing your chance of getting constipated and keeping your bowels normal. Working out increases your body’s natural movements and processes, and doing this on a regular basis can help create a steady schedule for bowel movements.
Take Laxatives
There are so many different laxatives on the market on the market, it’s difficult to figure out which ones are best for you. Osmotic laxatives contain magnesium compounds that draw water into the bowels. Stimulant laxatives work by triggering electrolyte and fluid secretion into the colon. Bulk-forming laxatives are indigestible plant or synthetic fibers that absorb water and swell inside your colon to cause bowel movements. Take to your doctor or nutritionist about which option is best for you.
Vitamins and Supplements
Fish or castor oil can have laxative effects, helping to relieve constipation or otherwise painful bowel movements. Castor oil is better for chronic constipation, while fish oil helps with the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and IBS. Different probiotics can also help you stay regular, including those found in supplements or Greek yogurt and certain fermented foods. You should discuss these options with your physician before starting them on a regular basis.
Keep a Regular Schedule
Maintaining a normal schedule for all your daily activities can also aid in relieving and preventing constipation. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, work out, go to work, eat meals, and do other daily activities at roughly the same time each time. Frequently shifting your patterns can interrupt your bowel movements while keeping your schedule normal can result in preventing constipation episodes.
Prescription Medication
Especially if you are using many of the above methods and still have chronic constipation, consider a prescription medication for constipation treatment. With conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation caused by opioid pain medicine, it may be necessary to use a medical solution to relieve your constipation. Amitiza (lubiprostone) works by increasing the secretion of fluid in your intestines to make bowel movements easier. Ask your doctor about prescribing this medication if your chronic constipation is interfering with your life and the above methods aren’t enough bowel movement problems can be a problem for many people, but there are plenty of things you can do to help relieve your constipation. Try some of the methods above and discuss options with your doctor.
