If you suffer from frequent constipation, or just occasional bouts of it, knowing how to relieve constipation 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, and with these suggestions below, you’ll no doubt find a few ways of helping to ease this troubling condition.

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 upon these laxatives. Most doctors recommend trying more healthful, home based methods for relieving constipation first.

First, increase water intake. If you’re not drinking enough water, you’ll have more difficulty passing bowel movements. Aim for drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day.

Second, increase 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 fiber supplements.

Third, increase your activity to relieve constipation. Even a 20-30 minute walk daily helps our bowels move more quickly. Couch potato behavior, conversely, is associated with higher incidences of the condition.

There are some instances when you’ll need to resort to quicker methods to relieve constipation. If you’ve had surgery recently and are taking pain medication, especially meds like codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone, the steps above may not be enough to relieve constipation. You should check with your doctor first for their 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 doctors recommend 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 relieve constipation. 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 tends not to be recommended by many physicians now. Do check with your doctor 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 your physician. Some conditions do require prescription laxatives or other medical treatments to end constipation.