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Treatment for Constipation

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

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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

Treatment for Constipation

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

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