5 Top Tips for Dealing With Constipation

No one enjoys having to talk about their bowel movements, but constipation will affect most people at some point or another. In most cases, the problem won’t amount to much and can easily be solved by changes to one’s diet or the use of laxatives from a reputable supplier such as wellspringmeds.com. However, in more severe cases, the problem will recur and become a constant source of trouble.

stomach-belly
Image source: pexels.com

Before you seek medical intervention, there may be a few steps you can take to try to tackle the problem yourself and at least alleviate some of the discomfort. Here are a few tips to get yourself started.

Increase Your Fiber Intake

Fiber is a key element in helping bowel movement, and most people who suffer from constipation find that their diet lacks fiber. Start by incorporating more foods into your diet that are high in fiber, including oats, fibrous vegetables, fruits, rice, bean and whole-grain breads and cereals.

Alternatively, you can look into introducing a fiber supplement into your daily routine. These are readily available at health stores and can be great at inducing bowel movements as they add bulk to your stool which enables it to move through the body more easily. Common fiber supplements include calcium, methylcellulose and psyllium.

Hydrate

water-drink-woman
Image source: pexels.com

Increasing your fiber intake is one thing, but it needs to go hand-in-hand with hydration. You should be drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, and if you aren’t, this could be the reason for your irregular bowel movements.

Many people struggle to take in an adequate amount of water each day, but doing so could be the trigger to get those bowels working again.

Use a Stool Softener

As we’ve ascertained, dehydration is one of the main causes of constipation. A lack of water in our systems can lead to stool being hard and unable to travel through one’s system as easily. Using a stool softener such as Surfak or Colace will help to moisten stool by using water from the intestines.

Try an Enema

Another option worth considering would be an enema. There are a number of different types, but they all work by softening the stool in order to produce bowel movements. The most common types include soap suds, sodium phosphate and tap water enemas.

Get Moving

walk-walking
Image source: unsplash.com

Although it may feel like the last thing you want to do when you are uncomfortable and constipated, exercise might be the key. Light exercise such as a little jog or walk around the block can serve to encourage bowel movements as it increases blood flow through the abdomen.

Constipation can really make life uncomfortable, so incorporating a few simple lifestyle changes may be just what is needed to prevent this from becoming a major issue. However, if constipation does become chronic, it can really make everyday activities a challenge. If you find that constipation continues to recur or it lasts more than a week at a time, it might be a sign that you need to reach out and seek medical help. Consulting a medical professional will help rule out any serious problem.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here