20 Home Remedies For Constipation Relief
For example, trying to have a bowel movement 15 to 45 minutes after breakfast may help, because eating helps your colon move stool. Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for constipation. When you are dehydrated, there's less water available to help soften your stool and as a result, it becomes hard and difficult to pass. On the other hand, when your body is properly hydrated, water will be absorbed into the colon, which keeps your stools soft and easy to pass.
Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids per day. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
Stimulant laxative that helps the digestive tract to contract. Often drunk as a tea, senna can be very effective and work within several hours after consumption. Approved by the FDA, Senna is available as a tablet or powder supplement. It can also help with irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids. Constipation can be uncomfortable, especially if you are bloated or cramping, making exercise difficult at times.
Making sure you drink enough fluids such as water may help some people with constipation. Fluids make bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Essential for regular bowel movements, exercise stimulates the contraction of the intestinal muscles, speeding the passage of stools. Constipation is defined as passing hard, dry stool or having fewer than three bowel movements a week. One of the most common digestive complaints in the United States, constipation affects most people at some point in their lives.
Most cases of mild to moderate constipation can be managed by you at home. Self-care starts by taking an inventory of what you eat and drink and then making changes. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
These include lubiprostone (Amitiza®), prucalopride (Prudac®, Motegrity®), plecanatide (Trulance®), lactulose (Cephulac®, Kristalose®) and linaclotide (Linzess®). Your doctor will pick the drug that might work best for you based on the results of your tests. If needed, take a very mild over-the-counter stool softener or laxative (such as docusate [Colace®] or Milk of Magnesia®). Mineral oil enemas, like Fleet®, and stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) or senna (Senokot®), are other options.
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Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Lin has two recommendations when it comes to heat therapy.