What to Take for Constipation: A Comprehensive Guide

Constipation is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and medical conditions.

While constipation is not typically serious, it can cause a lot of discomfort. Symptoms of constipation can include hard, dry stools, infrequent bowel movements, and straining during bowel movements.

If you are experiencing constipation, there are a number of things you can do to relieve your symptoms. These include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking over-the-counter laxatives.

what to take for constipation

Constipation relief options include:

• Increase fiber intake
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get regular exercise
• Try over-the-counter laxatives
• Use suppositories or enemas
• Make lifestyle changes
• See a doctor if severe
• Take prescription medications
• Consider biofeedback therapy
• Surgery (rare cases)

Always consult a doctor before taking any medications or trying new treatments for constipation.

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Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is important for overall health, and it can also help to relieve constipation. Fluids help to soften stools and make them easier to pass.

• Water: Water is the best choice for hydration. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
• Other fluids: Other fluids that can help to relieve constipation include juices, soups, and herbal teas.
• Avoid sugary drinks: Sugary drinks can actually worsen constipation. This is because they can dehydrate the body and make stools harder.
• Listen to your body: Your body will tell you when it needs fluids. If you're feeling thirsty, drink something.

If you're struggling to drink enough fluids, try carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day. You can also set reminders on your phone to drink water regularly.

Get regular exercise

Getting regular exercise is important for overall health, and it can also help to relieve constipation. Exercise helps to stimulate the muscles in the intestines, which can help to move stool through the digestive tract more quickly.

• Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, and swimming, is a great way to get your heart rate up and stimulate your intestines.
• Strength training: Strength training exercises, such as lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises, can also help to relieve constipation by strengthening the muscles in the abdomen and pelvis.
• Yoga and Pilates: Yoga and Pilates exercises can help to improve flexibility and strengthen the core muscles, which can also help to relieve constipation.
• Start slowly: If you're new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time and intensity of your workouts.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. If you're not sure where to start, talk to your doctor or a personal trainer.

Try over-the-counter laxatives

Over-the-counter laxatives can be a helpful option for relieving occasional constipation. However, it's important to use them correctly and only as directed on the package.

There are two main types of over-the-counter laxatives: stimulant laxatives and bulk-forming laxatives.

Stimulant laxatives work by stimulating the muscles in the intestines to contract, which helps to move stool through the digestive tract more quickly. Examples of stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Dulcolax), senna (Senokot), and castor oil.

Bulk-forming laxatives work by absorbing water and forming a gel-like substance in the intestines, which helps to soften stools and make them easier to pass. Examples of bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), and polycarbophil (FiberCon).

It's important to drink plenty of fluids when taking laxatives, as this can help to prevent dehydration and other side effects.

If you're not sure which type of laxative is right for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you choose a laxative that is safe and effective for your needs.

Use suppositories or enemas

Suppositories and enemas are two types of treatments that can be used to relieve constipation. Suppositories are small, bullet-shaped objects that are inserted into the rectum. They contain medication that helps to soften stools and stimulate bowel movements. Enemas are a liquid solution that is inserted into the rectum using a special tube. Enemas work by flushing out the colon and helping to remove impacted stool.

Suppositories and enemas are generally safe and effective for occasional constipation. However, they should not be used on a regular basis, as they can lead to dependency and other side effects.

To use a suppository, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Remove the suppository from the packaging.
3. Lie down on your side with your knees bent up to your chest.
4. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum, pointed end first.
5. Hold the suppository in place for a few minutes until it dissolves.

To use an enema, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Prepare the enema according to the package directions.
3. Lie down on your side with your knees bent up to your chest.
4. Gently insert the enema tube into your rectum.
5. Slowly squeeze the enema solution into your rectum.
6. Hold the solution in place for a few minutes until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
7. Go to the bathroom and have a bowel movement.

If you are unsure about how to use a suppository or enema, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Make lifestyle changes

There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to help relieve constipation, including:

• Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are high in fiber, which helps to keep stools soft and easy to pass.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Fluids help to soften stools and make them easier to pass. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
• Get regular exercise: Exercise helps to stimulate the muscles in the intestines, which can help to move stool through the digestive tract more quickly.
• Establish a regular bathroom routine: Try to go to the bathroom at the same time each day, even if you don't feel the urge to have a bowel movement. This can help to train your bowels to move more regularly.
• Don't ignore the urge to go: If you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, don't ignore it. Holding it in can make constipation worse.
• Manage stress: Stress can contribute to constipation. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

If you are making these lifestyle changes and you are still experiencing constipation, talk to your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your constipation.

See a doctor if severe

If you are experiencing severe constipation, it is important to see a doctor. Severe constipation can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a bowel obstruction or a tumor.

• Unable to have a bowel movement for more than three days: This is a sign of severe constipation and requires medical attention.
• Severe abdominal pain: Abdominal pain that is severe or lasts for more than a few hours can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
• Vomiting: Vomiting can be a sign of a bowel obstruction or other serious medical condition.
• Blood in your stool: Blood in your stool can be a sign of a number of medical conditions, including hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and colon cancer.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

Take prescription medications

In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary to relieve constipation. These medications work in a variety of ways to help move stool through the digestive tract more easily.

Some common types of prescription medications for constipation include:

• Stimulant laxatives: Stimulant laxatives work by stimulating the muscles in the intestines to contract, which helps to move stool through the digestive tract more quickly. Examples of stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and senna (Senokot).
• Osmotic laxatives: Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines, which helps to soften stools and make them easier to pass. Examples of osmotic laxatives include polyethylene glycol (Miralax) and lactulose (Kristalose).
• Lubricant laxatives: Lubricant laxatives work by coating the stool with a slippery substance, which helps it to move through the digestive tract more easily. Examples of lubricant laxatives include mineral oil and docusate sodium (Colace).
• Prokinetics: Prokinetics work by increasing the contractions of the stomach and intestines, which helps to move stool through the digestive tract more quickly. Examples of prokinetics include tegaserod (Zelnorm) and prucalopride (Motegrity).

Prescription medications for constipation should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. This is because these medications can have side effects, and they may not be appropriate for everyone.

Consider biofeedback therapy

Biofeedback therapy is a type of therapy that can help people to learn how to control their bodily functions, such as their bowel movements. Biofeedback therapy for constipation involves using sensors to measure the activity of the muscles in the rectum and anus. This information is then used to teach people how to relax these muscles and improve their bowel movements.

• Non-invasive: Biofeedback therapy is a non-invasive procedure, which means that it does not involve any surgery or medication.
• Effective: Biofeedback therapy has been shown to be effective in relieving constipation in many people.
• Long-lasting: The benefits of biofeedback therapy can be long-lasting, even after the therapy is completed.
• Safe: Biofeedback therapy is a safe procedure with few side effects.

If you are interested in biofeedback therapy, talk to your doctor. They can help you find a qualified biofeedback therapist in your area.

Surgery (rare cases)

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve constipation. Surgery may be an option if you have a structural problem that is causing your constipation, such as a bowel obstruction or a tumor.

• Surgery is usually only considered as a last resort: Surgery is a major procedure with potential risks and complications. It is typically only recommended if other treatments have failed to relieve constipation.
• There are different types of surgery that can be used to treat constipation: The type of surgery that is performed will depend on the underlying cause of your constipation.
• Surgery can be successful in relieving constipation: In most cases, surgery is successful in relieving constipation. However, there is a risk of complications, such as infection and bleeding.
• Recovery from surgery can take several weeks: After surgery, you will need to follow your doctor's instructions for recovery. This may include taking medication, eating a special diet, and doing exercises to help your bowels function properly.

If you are considering surgery for constipation, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Surgery is a major decision, and it is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before making a decision.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about constipation:

Question 1: What is constipation?

Answer: Constipation is a common problem that occurs when bowel movements become infrequent and difficult. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and medical conditions.

Question 2: What are the symptoms of constipation?

Answer: Symptoms of constipation can include hard, dry stools, infrequent bowel movements, straining during bowel movements, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Question 3: What are some lifestyle changes that can help relieve constipation?

Answer: Lifestyle changes that can help relieve constipation include eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids, getting regular exercise, and establishing a regular bathroom routine.

Question 4: What are some over-the-counter treatments for constipation?

Answer: Over-the-counter treatments for constipation include stimulant laxatives, bulk-forming laxatives, and stool softeners. It is important to use these medications according to the package directions.

Question 5: When should I see a doctor for constipation?

Answer: You should see a doctor if you are experiencing severe constipation, such as being unable to have a bowel movement for more than three days, or if you have other symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in your stool.

Question 6: What are some other treatments for constipation?

Answer: Other treatments for constipation include prescription medications, biofeedback therapy, and surgery. Surgery is typically only considered as a last resort.

Question 7: How can I prevent constipation?

Answer: You can help prevent constipation by eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids, getting regular exercise, and managing stress.

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If you are experiencing constipation, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your constipation and recommend the best treatment for you.

In addition to the information in this FAQ, there are a number of other things you can do to relieve constipation. These include:

Tips

Here are some practical tips for relieving constipation:

Tip 1: Drink plenty of fluids: Water is the best choice, but you can also drink other fluids like juice, soup, and herbal tea. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.

Tip 2: Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are high in fiber, which helps to keep stools soft and easy to pass.

Tip 3: Get regular exercise: Exercise helps to stimulate the muscles in the intestines, which can help to move stool through the digestive tract more quickly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Tip 4: Establish a regular bathroom routine: Try to go to the bathroom at the same time each day, even if you don't feel the urge to have a bowel movement. This can help to train your bowels to move more regularly.

Tip 5: Don't ignore the urge to go: If you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, don't ignore it. Holding it in can make constipation worse.

Tip 6: Manage stress: Stress can contribute to constipation. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

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By following these tips, you can help to relieve constipation and improve your overall health.

If you are experiencing severe constipation, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your constipation and recommend the best treatment for you.

Conclusion

Constipation is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and medical conditions.

There are a number of things you can do to relieve constipation, including:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Getting regular exercise
• Establishing a regular bathroom routine
• Not ignoring the urge to go
• Managing stress

If you are experiencing severe constipation, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your constipation and recommend the best treatment for you.

Closing Message

Constipation is a common problem, but it can be managed. By following the tips in this article, you can help to relieve constipation and improve your overall health.

Remember, it is important to listen to your body and talk to your doctor if you are experiencing severe constipation or if your symptoms do not improve with home treatment.