Wondering what to do for constipation? Look no further!
It’s something people don’t like to talk about, but it affects nearly everyone at some time during their lives: constipation. This condition is annoying at its least severe, making a person feel like he is bloated and causing pain when trying to use the bathroom. At its worst, however, constipation can cause severe issues. When afflicted with it, many people wonder what to do for constipation. There are various remedies available both over the counter and at home.
By definition, constipation is when a person’s bowel movements become increasingly difficult or start occurring less frequently than before. Some people have bowel movements multiple times during a day, and others only once or twice a week. “Normal” varies for each person, but he or she will know when changes occur. In general, more than three days with no bowel movement is a major indicator of constipation. This condition can affect a person for long periods of time, and other symptoms include feeling the need to go more after completing a bowel movement, straining hard almost half the time or having very hard stools most of the time.
The first step when figuring out what to do for constipation is to discover its cause. Constipation can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from not drinking enough water or eating enough fiber to eating too many dairy products, holding it in when you need to go or using laxatives too frequently. Make sure to drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water every day, and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and high-fiber products. Also make sure to get enough exercise during the day to help move things along.
Other causes of constipation are medical, and require a visit to the doctor. These include hypothyroidism, neurological conditions, depression, pregnancy, eating disorders and irritable bowel syndrome. Visit with a doctor if the cause is believed to be medical, and not environmental, to get a professional take on the condition and treatment, if needed.
Short of going to the doctor, there are answers to the question of what to do for constipation at home, without a pill or prescription. Constipation home remedies frequently used by pregnant women, who nearly always suffer from constipation, is to drink a large glass of warm water mixed with lemon juice before bed each evening. This mixture is supposed to stimulate the colon and help waste move through. Prunes and prune juice make up another useful remedy. While not necessarily the most tasty solution, many people find that this fruit and its juice work wonders for constipation. Others swear by taking a spoonful of linseed oil with water before the start of every meal to help provide lubrication, while still more say eating a breakfast of figs, 1/2 of a papaya or kiwi fruit is more than enough to solve the problem.
Over-the-counter medications are also available for those wondering what to do for constipation. Try to stay away from harsh laxatives or enemas unless directed by a doctor to use them. Opt instead for mild stool softeners and laxatives available over the counter. Talk to a nurse or even druggist at a store for information on what is effective.
Don’t just sit around and wonder about what to do for constipation – get a handle on it today. Talk to a doctor if the symptoms do not lessen, or if they continue for more than two weeks. Never use any drug for more than two weeks unless directed by a physician. Get active, drink water and look into simple remedies to solve the problem with ease.