|
Relieving constipation requires a lot of different approaches and the best of these don’t normally involve drugs. They may include lifestyle changes , diet changes , review of any medications you are taking, colon cleansing in the form of a colon cleanser or colonic irrigation as well as consideration of laxatives in relieving constipation, only if all else fails.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes are probably the single most important factor in relieving constipation. Lack of exercise, poor fluid intake, psychological issues and poor diet are common causes of constipation. A lot of people we 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 wheelchair, to more active exercise including sports etc for the able bodied. 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.
Write a review
Diet
Diet is a very important factor in relieving 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. Bowels, like humans need regularity and if there is any disruption to this, the bowel can become constipated. Also, there is often a reliance 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 as much as 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.
Write a review
Colon Cleansing
Colon cleansing is a popular way of treating constipation and has been used in diarrhea too. They have been around for centuries in the form of oral treatments (teas, laxatives and enzymes), enemas and colonic irrigation. The science behind a colon cleanse works on the basis of clearing toxins from the colon thus promoting a sense of wellbeing, reduced fatigue, headache, producing more energy and an improvement in symptoms. They are usually promoted as part of a healthy lifestyle.
A colon cleanse has no confirmed scientific basis, although popular with a lot of constipation and diarrhea sufferers as they are often promoted as a natural alternative. From our own inference, patients who have had strong laxatives such as Picolax and Klean Prep prior to colonoscopy often comment that their symptoms significantly improve for a few weeks after the procedure. Bearing this in mind, the use of a colonic irrigation where a tube is passed into the rectum providing a warmed and gravity fed irrigation fluid into the colon should always have consent. The risks should be thought of as similar to colonoscopy risks particularly perforation (putting a hole in the bowel) so the procedure should only be carried out by an experienced practitioner. Irrigations should be avoided in bowel conditions such as IBD, diverticulitis, bowel cancer and other pathological bowel conditions where the risk of complications are potentially increased.
Colon cleansing clearly does have a role, but which colon cleanse? The answer to this is its your choice. They are all based on variations of herbs, electrolytes and enzymes and finding one that works for YOU is the most important thing. There are many different ones available, some of which are advertised on this site. A trial may be helpful to your symptoms.
Write a review
Review Of Medication
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 constipation remedies from your family or friends. There is no absolute science to them, but most are sensible and easily achieved and may help in relieving constipation. 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 of Castor Oil or Corn oil with water is an old fashioned remedy that can help in relieving constipation.
Write a review
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.Zelnorm or Tegaserod, a 5-HT4 agonist was licensed for use in abdominal pain, bloating and constipation, but is currently off license because potential side effects.
Write a review
Relieving constipation
requires lots of different methods and I hope this web page has been helpful.
To return to the IBS Help Online Homepage Click Here
