There are a lot of things that can cause constipation. Most of them are things we can solve on our own, though a few do require a doctor to provide help. Knowing what to do in advance can help get us through it faster.
Hydration: The large intestine has many functions. One of them is to pull fluid from the waste material before it is eliminated. Dehydration tends to mean that there isn’t a lot of fluid in the material to begin with. This makes it harder to pass.
Just drinking six to eight glasses of water or other appropriate fluids per day can prevent the problem. If dehydration is the primary cause for the constipation, it can also loosen things up enough so you can “go.”
Activity: Exercise is important for a lot of reasons, and being able to stay regular is one of them. The activity encourages the muscles that move food through the digestive track.
Eat: If you think of your digestive track as a conveyer belt, it might be able to help you understand this. Eating a meal usually encourages a bowel movement. If you’re having problems, go to the restroom immediately after eating. This effect can help relieve it.
Fiber: Plenty of fiber can help keep things moving. In fact, doctors sometimes recommend that their patients use a bulk fiber product daily. If you do, make sure to follow package instructions. Most tell you that you need to drink a full glass of water with it.
Stool Softeners: These come in very handy if the problem is that the stool is too dry and hard to come out. They are usually found near the laxatives.
Chemical vs. Natural: There is very little difference between the two. Some laxative makers use a natural remedy as their primary ingredient. This remedy is called senna. It’s the least likely to cause “griping” of the natural laxatives available. The term griping means painful stomach cramps and explosive diarrhea.
A note on medications: Some medications cause constipation. Strong pain medications, such as synthetic narcotics, are known for this. If your doctor prescribes them, talk to him or her about this side effect before you begin taking them so that you can avoid it.
There are times when handling constipation at home is not the best way. Some serious illnesses present with changes to your bowel habits. It’s also very easy for your body to become used to them. If that happens, you may not be able to have a bowel movement without them.
If the condition doesn’t respond to home remedies, or lasts for more than a few days, call your doctor. You should also ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical condition or take medications. That will help you resolve the problem and avoid side effects and interactions.