Help for Constipation

While some people have chronic forms of constipation, majority have occasional problems in relieving bowels. Needless to mention, bowel evacuation is the means for removing wastes from the body. So, being constipated is a medical concern that should be addressed promptly. In case, difficulty in passing bowel is due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or alike medical conditions, consulting a doctor is a practical solution. Nevertheless, for mild cases, relying on natural help for constipation is a better approach than taking medications.

What Causes Constipation?

Although constipation is not an interesting topic to discuss, all of us experience it at some point or the other. As per medical survey, its occurrence rate is higher amongst women and people in old age groups. Constipation by itself is not a serious medical case. It encompasses difficulty in defecation, passing of hard stools and less frequent bowel movement. To be more precise, constipation is confirmed, if the frequency of bowel movement is less than three times in a week. The possible causes of constipation are:

• Less intake of dietary fiber
• Inadequate water intake
• Excess intake of dairy foods
• Drastic change in regular diet
• Eating disorder and appetite changes
• Frequent intake of laxatives
• Low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)
• Side effect of antacids
• Medication side effects
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Stress and depression
• Colon cancer and other colon diseases

Natural Ways for Constipation Relief

Diagnosis of constipation is not an absolute necessity, unless the condition turns out to be a chronic case. As you have seen the causal reasons for irregular evacuation of bowels, try to find out the causal factors for constipation in your case. That way, you can find solutions for restoring normal bowel health. Say for instance, if your diet consists of milk and milk products in large serving amounts, reduce them for a few days and watch for improvement signs. Presented below are some natural solutions for constipation that work.

Increase Water Intake
This is truly a natural help for constipation that works effectually. Less intake of water is linked to passing hard stool and dehydration effects. Since there is no sufficient water in the body, it is obvious to form hard, compacted stool that is difficult to pass without straining. So, drink water at frequent intervals, and most likely you will be able to defecate soon.

Eat Balanced Diet
Plan the daily diet properly, and stick to a well-balanced diet without fail. Poor nutrition and too much of processed foods that lack fiber will disturb the normal bowel habits. Under limited food intake, the body will not produce enough wastes for defecation. Eating whole grain bread and cereals in breakfast helps in bowel evacuation in morning.

Increase Fiber foods
Dietary fiber and water are the two basic requirements for ensuring normal bowel habits. If you take a look at food digestion process, fiber doesn't get digested. But, dietary fiber passes the digestive tract as it is, and makes a basic component of feces. So, make a point to include foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables in sufficient amounts.

Prunes and Prune Juice
Fresh prune and its juice soften stool and are highly appreciated for providing natural constipation relief. Other fruits that provide similar benefit for combating constipation are figs (specially dried figs), berries, apples, avocados, pears, oranges and papayas. You can either consume them fresh or make juice. Taking fresh fruits is also a reliable help for constipation in pregnancy.

Avoid Caffeinated Drinks
When taken in large amounts, coffee and beverages that contain caffeine are shown to have dehydrating effects. To be more precise, they drain out water from the body and cause varying symptoms. So, avoid taking these drinks, until you get relief from constipation. Instead, you can take healthy fruit juices, herbal teas and warm liquids for ease in defecation.

Perform Movement Activities
Lack of physical activities is another major cause for irregular bowel movement. In addition to healthy eating, movement of the body parts and bowel muscles is equally responsible to ensure healthy bowel habits. Simply go for a walk or swim for 30 minutes daily. These will improve blood circulation, and aid in treating constipation.

Other Helpful Tips
People who have hemorrhoids tend to resist the urge of defecation, which again lead to stool hardening and drying. A simple remedy for constipation is to pass bowel movement as soon as you feel the urge. Avoid the habit of using laxatives, even if the products are based on natural ingredients. Frequent use of laxatives and stool softeners weaken the bowel muscles over time.

After adopting natural help for constipation, most likely your bowel habits will return to normal. If at all, this frustrating problem persists for more than 2 weeks, then get yourself checked by a trusted doctor. Once in the hospital, the physician will take medical history and proceed with diagnostic procedures (blood work, barium enema and colonoscopy) to identify underlying causes. According to the diagnostic test results, suitable treatment alternatives will be suggested by the doctor.