What to Take for Constipation

Suffering from constipation is one of the most annoying situations. This uncomfortable gastrointestinal disorder may arise due to a number of reasons like insufficient fluid intake, improper dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle and other health conditions. Constipation occurs when the stool hardens and is unable to pass through the colon to be discarded from the body. A failure to practice proper bowel movement, may also trigger this condition. Though not a matter of grave concern, going through a phase of constipation can be quite distressing as it hampers the normal routine. However, some unnecessary complications like pain in the rectal region, while passing stools, traces of blood in stool and severe abdominal pain can be noticed in individuals suffering from constipation. Here's what to do for constipation in case you are unaware of these simple yet effective pointers.

Remedial Measures to Relieve Constipation

Getting constipated can be quite a bothersome condition in the body. Constipation may be short term or chronic. In case it is chronic, medical intervention may be required to treat this condition. You can try remedies at home in order to get relief from short term or acute constipation. Constipation is a common complaint, which most pregnant women experience. This condition becomes intense during the last trimester, as the uterus grows and applies pressure on the bowel. If you are one of them and are wondering what to take for constipation during pregnancy, then you can include high fiber foods in your daily diet. Drinking warm water at regular intervals stimulates the intestines and eases the bowel movement considerably.

Diet
Eating at regular intervals, not only aids in proper digestion, but also helps the body gain essential nutrients. If you want to get relief from constipation, then it is necessary to keep a track of what to eat and what to avoid.

• To improve the bowel movement, it is necessary to drink plenty of water and other fluids. Adequate fluid intake will help soften the stools and make it easier for elimination from the body. Never allow your body to get dehydrated, as this may automatically lead to constipation. Instead keep replenishing your body with fluids at regular intervals or whenever you can.
• Including fibrous fruits and vegetables in your daily diet is another way for keeping this annoying disorder at bay. Dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, beans, corn, asparagus, broccoli, apples, bananas, peaches, pineapple, oranges, etc., are some examples of fibrous fruits and vegetables which should be included. The dietary fiber in these foodstuffs help add bulk to the stool and facilitate its easy passage through the colon.
• Foods containing non soluble fibers also help in adding bulk to the stool and stimulate bowel movement. Having a serving of lentils, bitter gourd, whole grain bread or pasta, wheat bran, barley, beetroot, green peas, sorghum, and white beans etc. will help in easing the bowel and facilitate easy passage of stools.

Herbal Remedies
There are also several herbs that stimulate proper bowel movements. These herbs act as bowel cleansers and mild laxatives, that can treat as well as keep constipation at bay.

• Flaxseed, psyllium husk, senna, triphala etc. can be taken in moderate amount to address this problem, since they act as stimulants.
• Psyllium seed and kelp add bulk to the stool and also aid in eliminating it from the body. It also provides relief from hemorrhoids.
• Dandelion and milk thistle can be taken in the form of tinctures that stimulate the liver to produce more bile, which in turn assists in easy digestion.
• Drinking an infusion of ginger, in the form of tea, relaxes the muscles of the colon and it also treats any infection in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Drinking aloe juice or prune juice will also prove to be an effective remedy to get rid of this gastrointestinal condition. Hibiscus increases the water content in the body, especially in the intestines, thereby softening the stool, to pass it without any pain and difficulty.
• Other herbs like buckthorn and cascara sagrada are used as stimulant laxatives, which reduce the discomfort caused due to a constipated bowel.

Other Measures
Apart from the above mentioned remedies, in terms of food and herbs, there are also other methods, following which can eliminate this disorder. Here are some of them, which are effective ways to prevent yourself from getting constipated.

• Exercising is also an effective way to stimulate bowel movements. Various exercises, specially abdominal exercises, stimulate the muscles and also help in the movement of the stool. The organs also receive a fair share of fresh, oxygenated blood to improve their function.
• Massaging the abdomen also helps in relaxing the intestinal and bowel tissues. A routine massage with warm olive or castor oil relaxes the abdominal muscles and also improves blood circulation.
• Avoid eating junk or fast food, as it may increase the chances of getting constipated. Since junk food consists of complex fats, they take time to get digested. Indigestion of food can also result in the person suffering from constipation. So better to eat healthy than to acquire this hindering gastrointestinal problem.

Try these remedial measures at home to find respite from this bowel disorder. A failure to find relief should automatically direct you to the health care provider, who may provide appropriate treatment for constipation and help you get rid of the discomfort. Take care!