How To Effectively Treat and Prevent Constipation

How To Effectively Treat and Prevent Constipation

  May 09, 2023    MDubPharmD

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Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, and the stools are usually hard, dry, and difficult to pass. The causes of constipation can be varied, including a low-fiber diet, dehydration, lack of physical activity, medication, and certain medical conditions. While it may not be a life-threatening condition, constipation can be uncomfortable, and it can interfere with your daily activities. In this article, we will discuss how to treat and prevent constipation using over-the-counter remedies.

Treatment of constipation

There are several over-the-counter remedies for constipation that you can try before seeking medical attention. These remedies include fiber supplements, laxatives, stool softeners, and enemas.

1. Fiber supplements: Increasing your dietary fiber intake can help regulate your bowel movements and relieve constipation. You can increase your fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, if you are not getting enough fiber from your diet, you can take fiber supplements like psyllium or methylcellulose. These supplements absorb water in the intestine, which makes the stool bulkier and easier to pass.

2. Laxatives: Laxatives are a common remedy for constipation. They work by stimulating the muscles in the intestines to move the stool through the colon. There are several types of laxatives, including osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives, and lubricant laxatives. Osmotic laxatives like magnesium citrate and lactulose work by drawing water into the intestines, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. Stimulant laxatives like senna and bisacodyl stimulate the muscles in the intestines to move the stool through the colon. Lubricant laxatives like mineral oil coat the stool and make it easier to pass.

3. Stool softeners: Stool softeners like docusate sodium work by increasing the amount of water in the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass.

4. Enemas: Enemas are a last resort for treating constipation. They work by introducing a liquid into the rectum, which softens the stool and stimulates bowel movements.

Prevention of constipation

Preventing constipation is often easier than treating it. The following are some tips for preventing constipation:

1. Eat a high-fiber diet: Eating a diet rich in fiber can help prevent constipation. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

2. Drink plenty of water: Dehydration can contribute to constipation, so it's important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

3. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help keep your digestive system moving and prevent constipation.

4. Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge: Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement can lead to constipation.

5. Avoid laxative abuse: Overusing laxatives can lead to dependence and can make constipation worse.

Least potent to most potent remedies for constipation

The following chart lists the least potent to the most potent remedies for constipation:

1. Fiber supplements
2. Stool softeners
3. Osmotic laxatives
4. Stimulant laxatives
5. Lubricant laxatives
6. Enemas

Conclusion

Constipation is a common problem that can be uncomfortable and interfere with your daily activities. Over-the-counter remedies like fiber supplements, laxatives, stool softeners, and enemas can be effective in treating constipation. However, prevention is often easier than treatment, so it's important to eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and go to the bathroom when you feel the urge.