Include plenty of high-fiber foods in your diet, including beans, vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereals and bran. Eat fewer foods with low amounts of fiber such as processed foods, and dairy and meat products. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay as active as possible and try to get regular exercise.
Some people worry they are constipated if they don't have a bowel movement every day, but there is no “right” number of daily or weekly bowel movements. Being regular can be different for each person. For some, it can mean twice a day, and for others, three times a week is normal.
Most cases of acute constipation happen because you are not eating enough of the right foods (or in the right quantities), drinking enough water or getting enough exercise. So the fixes are simple: Move more, drink more water and add fiber to your diet (or take it as a supplement) to add bulk to your stool.
However, some of the most common symptoms include: The inability to have a bowel movement for several days or passing hard, dry stools. Abdominal bloating, cramps or pain. Decreased appetite.
Don't get into the habit of taking laxatives every day to ease your constipation because this can be harmful. In some cases, you may be prescribed a laxative to use regularly, but this should always be supervised by your GP or a gastroenterologist (a specialist in digestive conditions).
Strict diets, skipping meals and restricting fluids can lead to constipation which can add 2 to 6 pounds to the scale. Ease constipation by increasing fiber-rich foods, water and exercise.
You're not drinking enough water
Drinking adequate amounts of water each day helps soften your stool and make it easier to pass. Drinking enough water is even more important when adding fiber to your diet because it helps your body process fiber properly.
Metamucil is a bulk-forming laxative that's readily available OTC. It's mainly used to help relieve constipation. Metamucil side effects, such as gas and bloating, are typically mild for most people. It's very important to follow the directions on the packaging to help prevent serious side effects.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
Aerobics accelerates your breathing and ramps up your heart rate. As you get your blood flowing, the intestinal muscles are stimulated and begin to contact to help move stools out quickly. Any form of cardio is helpful with relieving constipation. Try Zumba, jogging, water aerobics, running or even just light walking.
Legumes (navy beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, soybeans, and lentils), peanuts, walnuts, and almonds will also add fiber to your diet. Other foods you can eat are: Fish, chicken, turkey, or other lean meats. These do not have fiber, but they will not make constipation worse.
Dairy Products
“On the opposite end of the spectrum, fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir can improve gut health and may decrease the likelihood of constipation,” she notes.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.
Dulcolax® Stool Softener is a stimulant-free laxative made to relieve occasional constipation. Each tablet contains 100 mg of the #1 doctor-recommended stool softener ingredient — docusate sodium.
You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That's not the case. Do this: Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool.
There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.
If the daily recommended amount of fluid is not drunk, then Metamucil could cause severe constipation, especially in people who are already dehydrated. Some products may contain sugar, sodium, or phenylalanine (phenylketonurics should avoid).
Should I take it before or after meals ? Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 240 mL of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.
Chronic constipation is a common condition that is characterized by difficult, infrequent, or perceived incomplete evacuation of bowel movements. Symptoms of constipation include having less than 3 bowel movements per week, straining, hard stools, incomplete evacuation and inability to pass stool.
Causes of constipation can be divided into primary (slow transit or outlet obstruction) or secondary causes. Secondary causes can include simple dehydration or inadequate fluid intake, metabolic disturbances, medications, neurological disorders, myopathic disorders and structural abnormalities (Table 1).