Tips On Relieving Constipation

Constipation is usually diagnosed by the presence of characteristic symptoms (hard, infrequent stools or difficulty passing bowel movements). It is a very common complaint and often settles without the need for medical advice. However, you should visit your GP if constipation lasts for over two weeks, or if you are passing blood, particularly if you are over 50 years-old.

The following remedies can help to relieve constipation :

• Eat 3 meals per day at least 4 hours apart to keep the intestines stimulated which moves stools through the bowel.
• Eat lots of fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables. Salads are the answer, not laxatives.
• Drink a glass of water, preferably warm, right after you awaken in the morning. Store-variety herbal teas are good, too.
• Make a habit of sitting on the toilet for five minutes right after breakfast. Your body will soon get in the habit of an early morning bowel movement.
• Adding fiber to your diet is easily accomplished by eating better snacks. Popcorn, vegetable sticks, fruit, and nuts are excellent.
• Walking, yoga postures, bicycling and other light-to-moderate exercise is always helpful for regularity.
• Avoid high fat diet, including meats, dairy products, eggs, rich desserts or sugary sweets.
• Avoid frequent use of laxatives which will produce a sluggish (lazy) bowel in the long run.
• Drink prune juice or eat stewed fruits at breakfast.
• Eat foods that are high in roughage such as whole grain breads (whole wheat) and bran cereals.

In most cases, laxatives should be the last resort and taken only under a doctor’s supervision. A doctor is best qualified to determine when a laxative is needed and which type is best. There are various types of oral laxatives, and they work in different ways. Above all, it is necessary to recognize that a successful treatment program requires persistent effort and time. Constipation does not occur overnight, and it is not reasonable to expect that constipation can be relieved overnight.