If you suffer from frequent constipation, or just occasional bouts of it, knowing how to relieve the problem is invaluable. Significant stomach discomfort can occur with this condition, and bowel movements may be painful, hard, and difficult to pass. There are many methods to relieve constipation, including taking laxatives or increasing water, fiber, and exercise.
When constipation is frequent, you’ll want to look for permanent and generally non-medical based methods for relieving it. For occasional constipation, there are a variety of laxatives available, but people may become dependent on them. Most medical professionals recommend trying more healthful, home based methods of relief first.
First, increase the amount of water that you drink. If you’re not drinking enough water, you’ll have more difficulty with bowel movements. Aim for eight to ten glasses of water a day (about 2 quarts or 1.89 liters).
Second, increase your intake of fiber. While you can take fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk, eating more foods containing dietary fiber will help provide a healthy balance for your body, and will usually relieve constipation. Fiber rich foods like whole grains, beans, and most fruit and vegetables should be an everyday part of your diet. If you can’t get adequate fiber through diet, consider taking supplements.
Third, increase your activity. Even a 20 or 30 minute walk daily helps the bowels move more quickly. Couch potato behavior, conversely, is associated with higher incidences of constipation.
There are some instances when you’ll need to resort to quicker methods. If you’ve had surgery recently and are taking pain medication, especially medicines like codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone, the steps above may not be enough to relieve constipation. You should check with a medical professional first for his or her recommendations. Quick relief from constipation may change how well your body digests and responds to pain medication.
The standard methods for quick relief include using laxatives to help get the bowels stimulated, and then using fiber supplements daily. Some experts recommend that you begin fiber supplementation prior to a planned surgery and definitely recommend it afterwards. It can still take a few days when you take psyllium husk or other fiber supplements to get your body moving regularly again. When constipation has become extremely uncomfortable, using a laxative may help to clear the bowels first.
A standard method to relieve constipation in the past was to use an enema, but this is not recommended by many medical professionals now. Check with your healthcare provider first if you want to try this method. If your constipation is chronic and does not benefit from the above methods, you should also see a medical professional, since some conditions do require prescription laxatives or other treatments to end constipation.
