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Treatment for Constipation

i think am constipated ...i go once a week...please help!
(17 Sep 2007)

Our body mechanism is such that whatever we ingest gets properly processed, and the waste matter is then ejected. This means that it is necessary that our ejection system works properly and effortlessly so that the accumulated waste matter is thrown out of our body every single day. In our body the ejection work is done by the bowel movement.


But if your body ejects waste matter only once a week, then it is very clear that you are suffering from an extremely severe case of constipation and need to immediately consult a physician.

Constipation is usually the result of an unhealthy and weak digestive system which, in turn, is the result of unhealthy eating habits. So, along with the treatment and the medication that your physician will provide, you will need to bring about an immediate change in your diet and eating habits. First and foremost, you need to make sure that you eat proper meals at regular intervals. You should have your three main meals and two snacks meal throughout the day, spaced out comfortably. Your diet must include fiber-rich food that will help your bowels to move properly.

Initially, for the first few days, add one tablespoon of castor oil to a glass of warm milk and have this every night before going to sleep. Castor oil has medicinal properties and having it will take care of a lot of stomach and digestive related problems. Castor oil will also help to loosen up the stools that usually become very hard during constipation, so that they pass out properly. After consuming castor oil everyday for a week, reduce the intake by having it on alternate days, till you reach a stage where you need to take castor oil only once a week. Along with this you can start drinking one glass of prune juice every day. Initially, just drink the juice; you can later switch to eating the fruit. The other fruits that will help you tremendously in taking care of your constipation are peach, papaya, figs, pineapples, and pears. You can also have warm milk every night with a teaspoon full of flaxseed. This will ensure that your constipation stays away forever. Along with this, it is extremely important you drink lots of water as this will aid in flushing out the waste from the body. You can also have a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of Psyllium seeds added to it. It would be better to have one glass in the morning as soon as you wake up and one before you go to bed. Psyllium is made up of fiber and will help to prevent constipation.
answered by G M on 18 Mar 2010, 1:39:14

 

Some habits you can adopt to treat constipation in its early stages include:
  • Adopting a well-balanced diet rich in fiber - with the inclusion of bran - fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Reducing the intake of refined flour food products such as white bread, cakes and sugared foods.
  • Consuming approximately eight to ten glasses of water daily. Beverages that are consumed when hot including coffee, tea or hot water are helpful in stimulating bowel movements.
  • Dried plums and plum juice are also extremely beneficial.
  • Daily physical exercise aids in the digestion of food and in reducing stress.
  • Adopt regular bowel habits usually during the first hour after breakfast. Do not strain yourself by trying to hasten the procedure.  Sit without any stress for around ten to twelve minutes, irrespective of whether you manage to induce bowel movements or not.
  • It is important to see that you do not strain. There are various kinds of combination laxatives accessible and these can be acquired with the consultation of your medical expert.
You will need to check if an underlying disorder is causing your constipation, and hence with the advice of a doctor and a medical checkup, treatment will be proposed for the specific reason. In some patients, pelvic floor dysfunction causes constipation, and hence at such times doctors suggest biofeedback as a form of treatment for the condition. Biofeedback as a training therapy helps the individual to coordinate the muscles in a positive manner, for a bowel movement.

Pregnant women who usually suffer from constipation may find relief in eating plenty of high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, psyllium seeds and whole grain meals. Drinking lots of fluids and getting as much exercise as possible are some ways of ensuring regular bowel movements. Swimming and walking are also excellent choices as these are exercises that induce bowel movements.

If constipation does not respond even after the changes made in one's lifestyle or even after medical treatment, doctors usually recommend surgery as a method of controlling constipation. A surgical removal involves a part of the colon being removed especially the problem area or sections of the sphincter muscle of the anus or rectum. Some doctors also resort to enemas by distending the rectum, and stimulating the colon to constrict and excrete stools. Enemas are especially effective when feces are impacted in the lower colon, or hardened in the rectum. Defecation usually takes place anywhere between a few minutes and an hour after the enema.
answered by G M on 19 May 2009, 2:19:48

 

You may need more fiber in your diet.  Try having Bran Flakes or Raisen Bran cereal for breakfast...eat whole grain breads..eat more salads and get exercise...at least walk every day.
answered by b on 17 Sep 2007, 4:46:31

 

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