Preventing Constipation: Six Tips

There is nothing pleasant about constipation. It's not a topic most people want to discuss. Most of us just suffer in silence or reach for a laxative. However, there are some things you can do that could help you avoid this situation.

Water: Dehydration is one of the main reasons for constipation. Most of us are in a state of constant dehydration, so frequent bouts of this problem are likely. Remember, if you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

Why would this be an issue? It's part of how the large intestine works. One of its jobs is to remove fluid from fecal matter. If there's not much in there to begin with, feces become for thick and very solid. It can really feel like a brick when it does come out.

Fiber: How many of us actually eat right? As hard as I try, even I don't eat right, and I write about it a lot. One of the chief means of moving matter through the digestive system, after water, is fiber. Most of it can't be digested, so it moves out. If we don't consume enough, constipation can be the result.

If you know you aren't getting enough of it, talk to your pharmacist about adding bulk fiber. You may also want to discuss it with your doctor, but the pharmacist is a must. He or she can tell you if it's safe with the medications you already take and give you specific instructions about when and how much to take.

Foods: There are foods that can stop you up. Anything high in fat is on that list. So are most frozen dinners, even those that are listed as "lean" or more healthy. Coffee and alcohol are also on the list. Both can cause dehydration and they both irritate the digestive tract.

There are times when frozen meals are the best answer. We use them for lunches, because they are safe, easily heated in the microwave and low in fat/calories. Others use them for all of their meals. That's usually because they live alone and see no reason to cook.

If you are in this category, there is something simple you can do to cut down your risk of constipation. Add a slice of whole wheat bread to the entrée and eat an apple or other whole, raw fruit for dessert. In this instance, an apple would be ideal.

Avoid Overuse: Your bowels can get addicted to laxatives if you use them too often. When that happens, you won't be able to "go" without them. If this has occurred, talk to your doctor about retraining your body to go naturally.

"Go" Right after a Meal: This is the most likely time for success. In part, it's because your digestive tract is a lot like a conveyer belt. If you put something in, something needs to come out. This may be one method your doctor suggests to deal with an overuse situation.

About Medications: There are medications that can stop you up in a hurry. An example would be narcotics and synthetic narcotics. If you need these medications, talk to your doctor about how to prevent constipation from their use. There are other drugs that can help prevent the problem.

Stool Softeners: This would be one of them, but may not be strong enough. If you have a tendency towards hard stools, ask your doctor about adding a stool softener to your medicine list. This makes it easier for you to remove the fecal matter. Less straining and tearing can mean a lot less pain and chance of constipation.

Constipation is not just an uncomfortable feeling, it can cause other problems. Hemorrhoids, anal fissures and stopped up toilets can be a result. If you have frequent bouts of this problem and none of the above works, talk to your doctor. There are things that can be done.