Constipation is a disorder related to the digestive and excretory systems of the body. Constipation affects a lot of people in the country and many suffer from chronic constipation, for which they often seek a doctor’s help. The constipation treatment is a complicated process because it could very well be caused by the foods one consumes or avoids, or how the patient lives their life, or the medication they are under and so on. For chronic constipation treatment, many go for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or laxatives these days. However, improving your lifestyle and what you consume can relieve you of constipation very easily. As a disease, constipation is often characterized by the most common symptom of it, which means less than three bowel movements per week. Enlisted below are some tips to treat constipation that can be tried by adults at home conveniently.
Increasing one’s daily consumption of water
Being dehydrated, that is, devoid of the proper amount of water required by the body on a regular basis can make anyone become constipated to a large extent. To stop this from occurring, it is important to drink enough water and stay hydrated all through the day, under all circumstances. When a patient is constipated, then the first treatment for constipation suggests that they should try finding relief by drinking some carbonated or sparkling water, which would help them to rehydrate and get things moving again.
Some studies and surveys have pointed out that sparkling water at times can prove to be even more effective than tap water. This technique is effective for most people, which include people with chronic idiopathic constipation or another type, namely the irritable bowel syndrome. The chronic constipation treatment shows great results in this aspect. However, patients are not advised to drink a large number of carbonated drinks such as sugary soda as doctors claim them to be a bad choice for health and might make one’s constipation worse. This goes a long way in the treatment for constipation.
Consuming more fiber
People who are constipated are often advised by their doctors to increase their intake of fiber. The reason behind this is that an increase in the fiber intake is thought to increase the bulk and consistency of bowel movement, in turn making them easier to pass, thus providing chronic constipation help. According to a very recent study, it was revealed that around 77 percent of people with chronic constipation benefited when they supplemented their diet with fiber. There are many different types of dietary fiber available, but in general, they fall under two categories.
Types of fiber
Out of the two categories of fiber, one of them is more effective than the other because of its chemical composition and solubility. This is the reason why doctors often recommend that type for treatment for constipation. Fiber is important and necessary in this process of treatment.
- Insoluble fiber
This type is found in food items such as wheat bran, vegetables, and even whole grains. This is that element of fiber which adds bulk to one’s stool. Furthermore, according to doctors, this type of fiber passes more quickly and easily through one’s digestive system. Hence, the treatment for constipation is very much facilitated by the consumption of such fiber. - Soluble fiber
This is soluble in most of the body fluids. The items it is found in include oat bran, nuts, barley, beans, seeds, as well as some other fruits and vegetables. After entering the body, this fiber absorbs the body fluid and forms a mass which behaves like a gel, and makes the process of bowel movement smoother by making the inner lining of the intestines less rough.
Exercising
If you are still wondering how to treat constipation, then exercising can help. Working out reduces the symptoms of constipation by helping the food move quickly through the large intestine. This way, your body will absorb less water from the stool. Hence, the less dry your stool is, the softer it will be, and the easier it will be to pass. But remember to wait an hour after a meal, before you start exercising so that the food gets digested first. Simply walking, jogging, or even swimming can help relieve constipation. You can practice yoga too.
Follow the above tips for constipation treatment. If your constipation is not severe, these should work. But if they don’t help, consult a doctor who can suggest the right laxative or even herbal medications that can be safely taken for a long time without any side effect.
