If you’re wondering how to treat constipation and the situation is only becoming worse, now is the time to step back and take a closer look at your lifestyle and what key changes you can make to create substantial changes in your health.
Step 1 – Assessing Your Constipation
The first step is to assess your situation and determine if you need to see a doctor or use more extreme methods to relieve the discomfort. Usually this is related to duration. If constipation extends for longer than 2-3 days and you are starting to feel exceptionally uncomfortable, you may need to see a doctor. Over the counter laxatives can also help, but be aware of the side effects they carry including inflammation of the intestine, interaction with other medications and habit formation.
Your doctor can better inform you if your constipation is due to a medical condition or is due to lifestyle issues that can be resolved with dietary and exercise changes.
Step 2 – Array Your Options
When asking how to treat constipation, you should lay out all of your options before making a decision. These options most commonly include changes you can make to your lifestyle that eliminate or greatly reduce the risk of constipation in the first place.
To combat constipation immediately, your options include:
• Laxatives – Over the counter medications that stimulate the bowels into releasing. There are some fiber based laxatives containing Psyllium that are better for you, but laxatives should still be avoided whenever possible.
• Fiber Based Diet – Increase your dietary fiber intake by replacing juices and processed foods with vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Also make sure to include at least 8 cups of water each day to avoid drying out your intestines.
• Exercise – A healthy lifestyle should include at least 30-50 minutes of exercise 5-6 days a week, so if your’e not already doing this, you should consider making a change. Even just a short walk every evening after dinner can have an immediate positive impact on your health.
• Training Your Body – To improve long term reaction to these changes, set aside a specific time each day to attempt a bowel movement. Your body will learn from the timing and eventually take over each day.
These are only a few answers for how to treat constipation but together they can offer all the relief you need when used in the right situations.
Step 3 – Act
Instead of wondering how to treat constipation, look for ways to avoid it in the first place. So, you may decide you need a laxative this one time, but instead of letting the problem recur, use the above lifestyle changes to ensure you don’t need to use it again next time. This will keep you healthier and ensure your bowel movements are consistent and healthy at all times.
If you really want to treat constipation without putting yourself at risk, you’ll need to make some key changes to how you live your life. Do it right and your body will thank you for it for years to come.