Constipation, infrequent or irregular bowel movements, is no fun for anyone. It can be painful and uncomfortable. Constipation can be attributed to at least one of several factors: poor eating habits, lack of exercise, not eating enough fiber or drinking enough fluids, and even possibly serious illness.
Fortunately, there are things one can do to prevent constipation.
Since dehydration can lead to constipation, one should always drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day. It's best to avoid caffeine since it causes dehydration and can act as a diuretic. Those who do enjoy caffeinated beverages on a regular basis should do so in moderation.
A healthy diet is key for preventing constipation. A high fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts ensures regularity. Consuming an apple every day, with its skin intact, is another sure way to prevent constipation. Guava is another helpful fruit, but it should be eaten with its seeds to ensure the full effect. Starchy foods should be avoided when one is constipated as this will only escalate the problem.
Regular exercise will also assist in one's quest for regularity. Even if it's a daily stroll in the park, exercise is important.
If you're feeling a little backed up, perhaps one or some of these remedies can help.
When it comes to constipation, the important thing is to have a proper diet, drink water often throughout the day, and exercise on a regular basis. If your constipation lasts for longer than a week, contact your physician. In the meantime, why not try one of the above remedies?
|
anon210452
Post 19 |
I have an impaction, but it's high up. I've been taking miralax for a week along with two ex lax and didn't do much today. I drank two cups of prune juice and I can't stop the black water. I hope this helps the impaction. I'm going to get a colonic on Thursday if I survive this day. I am sick of doctors passing me on to the next laxative |
|
anon189972
Post 18 |
Re: to the person who takes pain medication: Try really cheap prunes. They do the trick for me. I have to eat them at about 8 p.m. every night. I eat about 10-15 per night! It's tough, but I'd rather do this than take another medication. If you're seriously backed up, try Fleet Phosphate Soda, but please ask your doctor beforehand, because you can't take it if you have certain medical issues or if you're on certain medications. I used to just drink three-fourths of a bottle straight, and it did the trick within a half hour to six hours. After you drink it, you have to drink water. It tastes terrible, but if you're really backed up, it will work. |
|
anon154487
Post 17 |
Herbal tea really does the trick! Also for kids, there's pills which go in the wrong way around. Ask your pharmacist for them. Soapy water up the bum also does it for kids. Herbal tea for me, one in the morn, does the trick. |
|
anon134983
Post 16 |
Abdominal massage, to help stimulate peristalsis waves, really helps me when things get desperate (four or more days with no results/movement). Also I have had times when I can go standing up even though I can't while sitting. Strange, but when it gets so bad you cannot even keep food or water down you'll do strange things. |
|
anon132354
Post 15 |
The reason people get constipated these days is the diet we eat. You can eat a ton of fiber but, the truth is it can actually be detrimental if your body cannot pass it through. If you don't want to change your diet to purely organic with fresh veggies, try NuTUMMY. I have been taking it for a few months and it has helped tremendously. It is a little pricey but it has honestly changed my life. I would probably recommend just eating a lot of fresh fruit and veggies if you can do it, but if you have a busier than normal life, this product works to supplement what you don't get from everyday foods. |
|
anon120461
Post 14 |
Thanks for sharing some remedies for constipation. I love reading this article. It got what I'm looking for. I'll be sure to bookmark it. Thanks again! |
|
anon83306
Post 12 |
Milk of Magnesia, olive oil, hot tea, slow, deep abdominal breathing. That should take care of it. And I found out the hard way if you have a severe fecal impaction at the base of the anus, you can either gently break it up yourself of go to the emergency room and have someone do it for you. It's better not to let it get to that point. Be proactive, especially if you're on meds. The typical recommendations of fiber and exercise aren't enough for some. Try to go at least every other day. |
|
anon82172
Post 11 |
I started taking cinnamon tea with honey and I think it helped with my gas and bloating. I am only 17 and have many stomach problems i.e., constipation you get the idea. Well this really seemed to help. I didn't exactly have a bm but small ones throughout the day which is more than usual! My allergies also stopped acting up. I don't know if that is the reason though, but i realized i just felt better all around and I felt comfortable -- like I could breathe! Because of all the pressure in my tummy wasn't there like before! Anyway, I hope this helps. Look up the remedies! they are very useful. |
|
anon66362
Post 9 |
I am trying honey and lemon in warm water. The honey and lemon seems to be great for many ailments including a common cold. |
|
anon63974
Post 8 |
constipation due to calcium channel blockers is hell on earth. other calcium channel blocks give you diarrhea. |
|
anon49320
Post 7 |
hi, this is for the anonymous people above who felt so embarrassed about their problem. please do not, any longer. I am convinced it actually makes things worse. Why should constipation be worse than having a serious case of flu? If you cannot see the funny side of it so as to laugh yourself (and chances are that if you feel as bloated as I do you don't) then at least take lightly other people's reactions. It does help if you are not constipated about constipation. Best, anonymous grace |
|
anon32947
Post 6 |
Problems having a BM due to pain meds have led to a partial blockage of my colon. After some luck with a soapy water enema at the ER I am able to go more regularly than before, but can tell the problem is still present even though a CT Scan wasn't revealing. I have stopped the pain meds and tried everything from prunes and mineral oil to Fleets enemas at home without much luck. The mineral oil doesn't seem to soften the matter that forms the partial blockage. By watching my diet I am able to have a BM every few days but am afraid I'll have to have an operation to have a portion of my colon removed if I can't find something to break up the blockage on my own. I can't really afford to go to a clinic for a colon cleansing and am not one for seeing a doctor unless it's an emergency. I've been nauseated and battling this for over a month now. It's embarrassing to talk about and a "friend" actually laughed when I stopped to tell them I was on the way to the ER about the problem. Oh to just be able to go naturally again... |
|
anon24794
Post 5 |
These home remedies work well, I am sure, but I have been taking a series of different extended-release and immediate release narcotics for years and years now. So, what should I do about the constipation induced by these medicines, when I eat plenty of fiber and drink lots of fluids? Miralax works wonders, but I worry about taking too many medicines on top of the pain-management regimented meds. |
|
bigmetal
Post 4 |
when my children get a little constipated, i make sure to up their fluids that day and get some extra fruit and cereal in them. prunes (they have these really sweet, juicy individually wrapped prunes i've convinced my kids are candy that do the job) or prune juice works great! also, be sure they have a stepstool in front of the toilet so they can rest their feet if they can't touch the floor. i think this makes them more comfortable, and gives them, ahem, leverage, to get the job done. if it becomes a regular issue, or is really causing them pain, call your doctor ASAP.
|
|
anon8634
Post 3 |
Is it safe to give a 5 year old mineral oil for constipation ?
Editor's reply: mineral oil should never be given to a child without supervision of a pediatrician. ask your doctor about how to change his or her diet, such as increasing fiber, fluid intake, etc., to treat constipation.
|
|
malena
Post 2 |
They say that the average American eats about 50% of the recommended daily intake of fiber! Hence, increasing your fiber intake is probably the best/easiest long term solution for constipation. These days there are tons of high fiber cereals and granola bars that can relatively easily help increase your fiber intake. |
