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How do I Treat Chronic Constipation?

K T Solis
K T Solis

Chronic constipation can be caused by diet, pregnancy, prescription medicines, irritable bowel syndrome, stress, or travel. Severe constipation is a problem that can interfere with a person's health and general sense of well-being. Despite this fact, several ways exist in order to combat chronic constipation. By incorporating natural remedies or prescription medication, severe constipation can be alleviated.

One way to overcome chronic constipation is through the use of natural products. Adding more fiber to the diet can bring much needed relief to those who suffer from constipation. Fiber exists in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and legumes.

Eating fruits and vegetables can help prevent constipation.
Eating fruits and vegetables can help prevent constipation.

Fiber can even be found in the form of shrimp, lobster, and crab. Adding more fiber to the diet can serve as a natural laxative, easing chronic constipation in many people. Women should strive to consume at least 21 grams (0.74 oz.) of fiber on a daily basis while men do well to consume at least 30 grams (1.1 oz.) each day.

A second way to ease severe constipation is to drink more water. Water acts as a lubricant for food and the intestines. By drinking more water, the body's stool softens and moves more easily through the body. It's important to speak with a physician to determine how much water is sufficient for each person's specific needs.

Dietary fiber from legumes may help with chronic constipation.
Dietary fiber from legumes may help with chronic constipation.

Making exercise a regular part of life is another good way to relieve chronic constipation. Physical exercise is beneficial because it lessens the amount of time food needs to pass through the large intestine. In turn, this decreases the quantity of water that the body absorbs. The stools become softer, making it easier to pass them through the body.

Prunes are excellent natural laxatives.
Prunes are excellent natural laxatives.

Another way to alleviate chronic constipation is to try to use the bathroom at the same time each morning. Bowel movements are easier to accomplish in the morning. Going to the bathroom after each meal can also help constipation, as the body is geared toward having a bowel movement immediately after consuming food.

If natural remedies do not help to cure chronic constipation, some people opt for over-the-counter laxatives that can make them have more regular bowel movements. When natural remedies and over-the-counter laxatives fail, it's important to make an appointment with the doctor in order find a prescription solution for the problem. Prescription medicines can help patients with severe constipation, but patients must keep in mind that such medicines may produce unpleasant side effects. Diarrhea, nausea, gas, and stomach cramps are just a few of the side effects that patients may experience.

Discussion Comments

dfoster85

Constipation can be a big problem after childbirth, especially if you've had a c-section - the medicines they give you slow down your digestive tracts. (So does Percoset, which they give you for pain afterwards.)

If you haven't had your first bowel movement within a day or two, make sure to mention it to your doctor or your mother-baby nurse. They can make sure to get you a stool softener. Exercise isn't easy to come by in the maternity ward, but get your butt out of bed and push baby around in his little plastic bassinet!

anon134985

Abdominal massage can help as well. I have had this problem all my life.

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    • Eating fruits and vegetables can help prevent constipation.
      Eating fruits and vegetables can help prevent constipation.
    • Dietary fiber from legumes may help with chronic constipation.
      Dietary fiber from legumes may help with chronic constipation.
    • Prunes are excellent natural laxatives.
      Prunes are excellent natural laxatives.
    • Two tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey mixed into a glass of water can help to relieve constipation.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Two tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey mixed into a glass of water can help to relieve constipation.
    • Laxatives can help relieve constipation.
      By: Lorenzo Buttitta
      Laxatives can help relieve constipation.
    • Drinking water can help with constipation.
      By: spaxiax
      Drinking water can help with constipation.
    • Substituting whole grain breads for white bread can add fiber to the diet and help relieve constipation.
      By: Irochka
      Substituting whole grain breads for white bread can add fiber to the diet and help relieve constipation.
    • Those who frequently become constipated should consult a doctor.
      By: rob3000
      Those who frequently become constipated should consult a doctor.
    • Constipation during pregnancy is generally viewed as an unpleasant experience.
      By: Langstrup
      Constipation during pregnancy is generally viewed as an unpleasant experience.
    • Occasional constipation is generally no cause for concern.
      By: Africa Studio
      Occasional constipation is generally no cause for concern.