What To Do When Constipation Comes Knocking

Constipation is a common problem that usually resolves on its own. By the time your bowels stop moving, you know you have to do something about it, and usually no medical intervention is necessary. Only a small number of patients with constipation have a more serious medical problem. But even temporary bouts can prove painful.How to Prevent ConstipationThere are several things you can do to prevent constipation. Among them:Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal (especially bran). Fiber and water help the colon pass stool.Drink 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day (unless fluid restricted for another medical condition). Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, as they seem to have a dehydrating effect. Some people may need to avoid milk, as dairy products may be constipating for them.Exercise regularly.Move your bowels when you feel the urge
What Should You Do If You Are Constipated?If you are suffering from infrequent bowel movements (3 or fewer a week), or your stools are dry, hard, and difficult to pass, check out these tips for getting your system moving again.Hydration: Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day (unless fluid restricted). Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.Physical activity: Excercise is the answer to shedding unwanted weight, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and bolstering immunity, so it’s no surprise that exercise improves regularity. Get your body moving, and your colon will follow suit.Fiber: Add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Dietary fiber in foods like apples, bran, whole grains, and beans bulks stools and encourages prompt removal. Research indicates certain types of fermentable fiber support the friendly bacteria that promote intestinal health. Just get enough water — too little combined with a sudden fiber influx can dehydrate.Medications: Some drugs like pain relievers and iron pills can inhibit bowel passage, but so can laxatives. While helpful for short–term relief, laxatives and stool softeners actually weaken the bowel muscles over time and diminish nutrient absorption, hampering the waste elimination process.Seek medical attention if symptoms don’t improve after 3 weeks or if you experience excessive straining, blood in feces, pencil–like stools, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, diarrhea that alternates with constipation, or rectal pain.