6 Constipation Remedies That Work Plus 3 That Don't
Glycerin or bisacodyl suppositories also aid in moving stool out of the body by providing lubrication and stimulation. Physical activity increases muscle activity in your intestines. If you do not already exercise, talk to your doctor about whether you are healthy enough to start an exercise program.
When you fail to eat adequate amounts of fiber, things can get backed up. Fiber is the non-digestible component of plant foods, such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds. If lifestyle approaches don't help, you can turn to over-the-counter laxatives, such as Benefiber or Dulcolax, says Politi. Get in touch with your primary care provider if you've been constipated for more than three weeks and your bowel movements are accompanied by severe pain and blood. Fiber supplements, such as Benefiber, Citrucel, or Metamucil, increase the amount of fiber in your body, which draws water to make stool softer and bulkier.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for help in making a choice. Do not use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your doctor. Damage to your pelvic floor muscles from straining to move your bowels. Too much straining for too long a period of time may cause urine to leak from the bladder .
Making sure you drink enough fluids such as water may help some people with constipation. Fluids make bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Essential for regular bowel movements, exercise stimulates the contraction of the intestinal muscles, speeding the passage of stools. Constipation is defined as passing hard, dry stool or having fewer than three bowel movements a week. One of the most common digestive complaints in the United States, constipation affects most people 便秘解消 at some point in their lives.
Chances are it has affected you or a loved one at some point, so we’ve all got some experience with constipation in one form or another. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you read on the internet. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Set a regular meal schedule.Eating is a natural stimulant for the bowels, so regular meals may help you develop routine bowel habits.
These include lubiprostone (Amitiza®), prucalopride (Prudac®, Motegrity®), plecanatide (Trulance®), lactulose (Cephulac®, Kristalose®) and linaclotide (Linzess®). Your doctor will pick the drug that might work best for you based on the results of your tests. If needed, take a very mild over-the-counter stool softener or laxative (such as docusate [Colace®] or Milk of Magnesia®). Mineral oil enemas, like Fleet®, and stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) or senna (Senokot®), are other options.
’s blog and digital publications tell the stories of thriving patients, dedicated caregivers, and brilliant clinician-scientists. Plus, we offer tips on how to live healthfully and make the most of your doctor’s visits. But sometimes it can be a symptom of a larger health issue, so you should see a gastroenterologist if you experience lasting changes in your bowel habits. Toilet stools that readjust the position of your body in the bathroom can be an effective tool to help with general constipation, Issokson says.
To know the best way to get things moving again, you’ll want to find out what’s behind the problem. FYI, constipation can be the result of dehydration, irritable bowel syndrome , poor diet, and side effects from various medications, says Jean Fox, MD, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic. Pelvic floor dysfunction is also a very important contributor that is often under-recognized, she adds. If you’re wondering how exactly you can tell if you have this issue, know that the benchmark is passing fewer than three stools a week, per Dr. Fox. Having fewer than three bowel movements a week is, technically, the definition of constipation.