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Constipation, either acute or chronic, can be described as difficult, infrequent, or incomplete bowel movements. Saline oral preparations and enemas, Epsom salts, or magnesium citrate preparations can be safely used if necessary. Chronic constipation is also associated with some disease conditions such as hypothyroidism, dehydration and nerve injury. Make sure you are:- Getting regular aerobic exercise
- Having or trying to have your movement at the same time each day
- Drinking enough water. Increase water consumption to 8 glasses per day
- Avoiding refined foods that have had fiber taken out of them (white flour, white rice, peeled vegetables, etc.)
- Increase fiber (both water-soluble and non-water-soluble types) in the diet with more fruits and vegetables. If too difficult for now, try supplementing natural fibers such as flax, psyllium, pectin or guar gum. These possess a mild laxative action due to their ability to attract water and form a gelatinous mass.
- Consider the possibility of food allergies, especially milk, when you see diarrhea, alternating constipation and diarrhea, anal fissures, or other general allergy signs. A recent study found that 10 of the 86 patients allergic to milk showed "very delayed reactions" to a cow's milk challenge averaging over 13 days (range 4-26 days). These "very delayed" reactions included constipation, wheezing, and dermatitis.
If constipation does not improve using the above methods then professional help may be needed.
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