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relieving constipation, constipation remedies and much more!
Relieving constipation
requires a lot of different approaches and the best of these don’t normally involve drugs. These include
lifestyle changes
,
diet changes
, review of any medications you may be taking, possible
constipation
remedies and consideration for the use of laxatives in relieving constipation only if all else fails. There are of course lots of causes of
constipation
and this is important to understand when defining the best way of dealing with your problem, particularly as there are specific bowel ailments that may require addressing first.
IBS
is a very common feature in some of these cases.
Before reading on I would suggest clinking on this link to appreciate a more thorough understanding of
constipation
.
In this web page, I hope to address various approaches in managing your problem:
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes
are probably the single most important factor in dealing with constipation. Lack of exercise, poor fluid intake, psychological issues and diet are common. A lot of people I see with these issues don’t exercise. This maybe because of physical disability, but more often than not, it is due to lack of inclination or time in the pressured world in which we live.
However, even if there is physical disability, there are always exercises that can be done and enlisting the help of a physiotherapist can be helpful. This may include the use of a water pool under supervision, basic exercises for those in wheelchairs to more active exercise including sports etc for those with more ability. Encouragement is so important in this situation, not only from your doctor, but also from friends and family (who can also be involved and simultaneously improve their health too!). The use of community sports facilities can be helpful and there are usually trained members of staff who can help you determine the most appropriate level of exercise for you.
Poor fluid intake or inappropriate fluid intake is common. In the western world, the intake of excessive caffeine in the form of Tea and Coffee is common. Whilst these are fluids, they can actually have a detrimental effect on the bowel and should be limited if constipation is an issue. It is quite clear that a fluid intake of at least 3 litres a day should be achieved. This should be in the form of water or juices if possible. Physically measuring the volume, rather than relying on judgement, is the best way of achieving this.
Constipation and
psychological issues
are common. This can be because of negative life experiences such as previous physical or psychological abuse, concern of inducing pain during defecation, depression and anxiety. These issues need addressing by professionals and should be discussed with your doctor who can put you in touch with the appropriate services.
Diet
Diet
is a very important factor in constipation. In this pressured world in which we live, trying to maintain a healthy diet is both difficult to achieve and also takes time. I’m sure that I’m not alone in saying that a lot of people don’t take regular meals and often skip meals because of the pressures they are under.
This can have a significant effect on the bowel and can change the way in which it handles ingested foods. Also, we are often reliant on pre-packaged foods that tend to be high in carbohydrates and fats, but low in fiber which is necessary to maintain a healthy bowel motion. Ensuring the intake of the 5 daily fruits or vegetables is so important and critical to long term health. Increasing fiber intake to 20 to 30G often has a positive response to relieving constipation. You can read more about diet in constipation, particularly related to the
irritable bowel syndrome
, by clicking
here.
Review of medications
Any review of your medications should be undertaken by a qualified healthcare professional. Under no circumstances should it be done by yourself as stopping medicines could have a detrimental rather than advantageous effect on relieving constipation. There are a lot of medications that can result in constipation, some of which are outlined in the constipation section.
Constipation remedies
I’m sure you have heard of a constipation remedy or constipation remedies from your family or friends. There is no absolute science to them, but most are sensible and easily achieved. Usually they involve fruits which are sensible because of their fiber content. The main ones are Grapes, Figs and raisons and can be taken as the fruit itself or as syrup. Vegetable greens in the form of Spinach, Lettuce and cabbage are important.
Cutting out foods that bind, in particular, eggs can help as well as reducing complex carbohydrates and refined sugars can reduce wind and discomfort which is often associated with constipation.
Taking a teaspoonful of Castor Oil or Corn oil with water is an old fashioned remedy that can help.
Laxatives
Laxatives should be thought of as the last resort in relieving constipation and there are various types that can be tried. By clicking on the links to each, you can gain more information on these. The ones that I will highlight include
Ispaghula
,
Sterculia
, lactulose,
methylcellulose
, docusate, Sodium Picosulphate (Picolax) and Klean Prep.
Relieving constipation
requires lots of different methods and I hope this web page has been helpful.
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