Treating constipation at home

Constipation is a common problem. The medical condition may be from certain foods that you eat or don’t eat, lifestyle choices or certain medication.

Many people do not know the cause of their chronic constipation. This is known as chronic idiopathic constipation. 

Medical News Today says that constipation has noticeable symptoms. You may have less than three bowel movements in one week or difficulty when passing stools. Hard, dry or lumpy stools or a feeling that not all stools have passed are also symptoms. 

Constipation can affect your physical and mental health. There are natural remedies to relieve your constipation. These can be done in the comfort of your home. 

Drink a lot of water

Regular dehydration can make you constipated. Drink enough water and stay hydrated. Drinking carbonated water may offer relief from constipation too. 

Carbonated water is said to be more effective than tap water to relieve constipation. It is also helpful for people with indigestion, dyspepsia or chronic idiopathic constipation. 

Avoid sugary carbonated drinks. These beverages may have harmful health effects. Therefore, it can make your constipation worse. 

Eat more fibre

Doctors suggest adding more fibre to your diet. It treats constipation. Fibre increases the bulk and consistency of bowel movements. This will make it easier for the stool to pass. The stool will also pass easier through the digestive system quicker. 

People should consume a mix of soluble and insoluble fibres.

More exercise is needed.

Some research studies have reported that exercise could assist you with your constipation symptoms. Increasing your exercise times will help to move the stool. 

Try brisk walking as a moderate exercise. Jogging is not advised. Vigorous exercise may make your constipation symptoms worse. 

Gentle exercises should be tried. Swimming and cycling are two examples. 

Drink caffeinated coffee

Coffee can urge you to go to the bathroom. It stimulates your muscles and digestive system. 

A 1998 study found that caffeinated coffee is more stimulating for the gut than a meal. It was also shown that caffeinated coffee is strong than water and decaffeinated coffee. 

Coffee may contain soluble fibres. The small amounts of soluble fibres prevent constipation and balance your gut bacteria. 

Try herbal laxative, Senna.

Senna is a herbal laxative that treats constipation. It is popular, safe and effective. The laxative can be bought over the counter or online. It comes in oral and rectal forms. 

Senna is filled with plant compounds called glycosides. Glycosides stimulate your nerves in the gut. It also speeds up bowel movements. 

According to doctors, Senna is safe for adults. It is, however, only safe for short periods of time. Consulted a doctor if your symptoms do not disappear after a few days. 

Explore probiotic foods and supplements

Probiotics naturally occur in your gut. They are live and beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. 

Try a probiotic supplement to help prevent constipation. Probiotic-rich foods include yoghurt, sauerkraut and kimchi.

Go on a low FODMAP diet.

The low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet is an elimination diet. It helps to treat IBS and may relieve IBS-related constipation. Many recognise constipation as an IBS symptom. 

The diet limits high FODMAP foods. The FODMAP foods are reintroduced and monitored for toleration after a certain period of time. 

Sometimes the low FODMAP diet alone is not enough for people with constipation-predominant IBS. 

Take a glucomannan supplement or eat shirataki noodles.

Glucomannan is a type of soluble fibre. It comes from the roots of a konjac plant. Some research suggests that Glucomannan can treat constipation. The soluble fibre may act as a prebiotic. It can improve the balance of good bacteria in your gut. 

Shirataki or konjac noodles contain Glucomannan. Other prebiotic foods include chicory, artichokes, garlic, onions, bananas, leeks and chickpeas. There are also supplements that contain Glucomannan too. You can find this online. 

Overall, constipation is uncomfortable. It also has a lot of potential underlying causes. Home remedies and natural methods can provide significant relief. 

However, if your constipation persists, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can assist with identifying the cause of your constipation is. They can also help you to find effective treatment. 

Can laxatives damage my colon?

Laxatives treat constipation by softening our stools. They stimulate and draw water into the lower intestine to push out stool easier.

Laxatives are easy to obtain over the counter, but laxatives can cause havoc to the body. Overusing laxatives can lead to electrolyte disturbances, mineral deficiencies and dehydration. 

You can take laxatives orally, in the form of liquids, tablets or capsules. We administer suppositories, another type of laxative, through the rectum as a suppository or enema.

Laxative dependency can cause the colon to stop reacting to usual doses. Some people could need much larger quantities. 

The colon, like an internal organ, can get damaged quite easily. So, by overusing laxatives, the colon can stretch, and the muscle wall can become thin and flaccid. 

Laxative abuse can cause long term and potentially permanent damage to your digestive system. It can bring upon chronic constipation. 

Always speak to a registered physician before taking any medications or laxatives. Also, it is also best to check with a doctor or nurse if you make any natural changes to your diet or take homoeopathic remedies. 

How do I know if the doctor I need is on the Network?

Affinity Health makes it very easy for patients to find out whether or not their desired physician is covered. 

Find your nearest GP by simply going to Affinity Health’s official website and clicking on the Find a Doctor tab. 

 Now, you can contact Affinity Health on 0861 11 00 33 to consult with an Affinity Health primary healthcare consultant.

We will assess your symptoms and give you medical advice before issuing you a script.