Easy Constipation Cure in Four Simple Steps
Posted by Karen
Constipation is not a disease but it is annoying and should be treated as an unwanted condition since it can lead to hemorrhoids and other problems. Constipation is when going to the bathroom become difficult or less frequent. There is no normal as far as defecation goes. Some people go after every meal. Some people go less often.. If you go more than three days without a bowel movement, you are definitely constipated. If your stools are hard and difficult to pass, you also have constipation. You shouldn’t strain to go to the bathroom. This straining to poop causes hemorrhoids to form which leads to more pain.
Constipation can be a symptom of a disease but it is most often the result of lifestyle choices. Making new choices is often all you need to remedy your constipation.
The first step to treating constipation is to relieve dehydration. If you aren’t getting enough water, your stools will be hard and painful to pass. Increasing the amount of water you drink is a free and easy remedy but most people forget to drink water during the day. To get enough water, you need to drink between meals. A quart of water in addition to what you normally drink is often all you need to improve bowel function. If that doesn’t help, increase your intake. If you drink over a half gallon of water in a day and you are still constipated, dehydration is probably not your problem. Your water should come in the form of pure water. Coffee, sodas or juices may not have the same unconstipating qualities as plain water.
You next step to relieving constipation is to increase your physical activity. If you sit at a computer all day and then go home and watch TV after dinner, you aren’t moving your body enough. Regularity can be improved with exercise. Bending and twisting the muscles in your abdomen and lower back will stimulate your intestines and make going to the bathroom easier. Another benefit of exercise is that it will make you thirsty so you consume more water.
Even constipated people feel the need to go once in awhile. One thing constipated people often do is suppress the urge to go when they feel it. This goes against the way your digestive system works. Your next step in relieving constipation is to go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge.
Finally, you should include more fiber in your diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables and less dairy and meat should help eliminate constipation.
If your constipation doesn’t improve after taking these steps, consult with your doctor.