Short-term constipation usually results from lifestyle factors or medication use. Chronic constipation is generally related to gastrointestinal, metabolic, or neurological conditions. There are several types of laxative available, including:. If over-the-counter or home remedies do not relieve constipation, or if constipation becomes chronic, see a doctor or dietitian to discuss other treatment options and dietary changes.
Constipation develops when stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. Reasons include a blockage and a low fiber diet. Learn more about the causes and…. Olive oil has long been used as a simple treatment for constipation. Learn more about this home remedy that gets stools moving again, and how to use….
They can experience symptoms that include constipation and…. Karo is a brand of corn syrup that is used as part of an old home remedy for constipation.
However, does Karo syrup reduce difficulties in passing…. Which foods are good for constipation? Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Fourteen foods Causes Treatment We include products we think are useful for our readers. Fourteen foods that can ease constipation. Share on Pinterest Probiotics may help to improve gut health.
Share on Pinterest Olive oil can ease the flow of materials through the intestines. Proper hydration — typically at least eight 8-ounce glasses of clear liquid per day — is necessary for normal bowel movements. Laxative stimulants are designed to force a bowel movement by squeezing the intestines. You can get stimulants over the counter at your local pharmacy. Some popular options include:. Osmotic laxatives work slightly differently than stimulant laxatives.
Some examples include:. Take mineral oil no more than two hours after your evening meal. Expect results within six to eight hours.
One common cause of constipation is dehydration, which can cause hard stool. Using a stool softener, such as docusate sodium Colace or docusate calcium Surfak , can moisten the stool by pulling water from your intestines.
This allows the stool to exit your body more easily. There are several types of enemas that you can try. Enemas work by softening stool enough to produce a bowel movement. Some common types of enemas include sodium phosphate Fleet , soapsuds, and tap water enemas. Learn about proper ways to administer an enema. Rectal suppositories also help encourage bowel movements by softening stool.
Try a glycerin or bisacodyl suppository, which you can find at your local pharmacy. Bring a small footstool into your bathroom the next time you need to poop. Eating these foods may help you work through your poop probs:. Sometimes, a cup of coffee is all it takes to send you rushing to the bathroom. Though the link between coffee and the bowels remains unclear, caffeine is known to get things moving and coffee has a lot of it.
One study from found that strong coffee created more stimulation compared to drinking warm water. Is it the coffee beans or the caffeine that does the trick? The kick-start to your bowels is most likely thanks to the high caffeine levels in coffee.
A study found that flaxseed oil worked as a laxative to boost regularity and also helped prevent diarrhea in mice. Pro tip: Sneak a tablespoon of the ground stuff into your oatmeal extra fiber! Flaxseed also works well baked into some banana bread or muffins.
OTC stimulant laxatives work to push out bowel movements by squeezing the intestines. Common options include:. Being backed up is tricky. Sometimes your stool needs more solid material aka fiber. Senna is an OTC laxative derived from an herb. Since senna is a stimulant laxative, it should do the trick in a pinch. Still, many doctors advise against using senna-based laxatives regularly. Berookim says. A good rule of thumb is to drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of your body weight, he says.
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Emilia Benton Emilia Benton is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor.
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