PoopDoc Blog

If you are one of those chronic constipation sufferers, and now that you know this simple truth, it’s time to go over the usual fare you feast on and adjust your diet accordingly. Remember, you are what you eat. If you eat healthy, naturally, you become healthier. If you don’t, well, you get it already.

There are different compromises you can make to adjust your diet a few notches healthier in order to avoid constipation. For one, increase your fluid intake. Fruit juices or plain water are the best bet. If you have been suffering from chronic constipation, you may even go over the recommended eight glasses and you will see dramatic effects. Avoid caffeine drinks like coffee and tea. They usually cause dehydration, which in turn, causes your stool to become hard and dry.

Although temporary constipation is an issue that most of us face at least a couple of times every year, we generally don’t give the matter much thought beyond taking a laxative or two every now and then. However, when problems with constipation become more frequent and we find ourselves stocking up on laxatives or other bowel cleansing products, there may be cause for concern.

Extreme constipation problems extend beyond the typical infrequent bowel movements and may involve more advanced symptoms, such as: severe pain in abdomen area even when not trying to have a bowel movement, lower back pain, bloody stool, white discharge, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.

If your baby or child suffers from occasional constipation, this is also an effective way to relieve his discomfort but do it as gently as possible. The added benefit of touch therapy also strengthens the bond between the two of you. Massage your abdomen on a daily basis, applying more pressure as you progress each day.

Exercise. This increases the muscular contractions in the intestines, facilitating the passage of stool. Exercise also relieves stress, which is one cause of constipation. Walking is the simplest way to exercise for constipation. Generally, increase your physical activity and limit your time sitting down.

These simple steps to achieve constipation relief can help a lot in improving one’s condition, not to mention his mood. Of course, don’t forget to maintain a healthy diet with lots of fiber and fluids to avoid constipation altogether.

Fiber will naturally help cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and help keep it free from blockages. However, if a blockage already exists, the fiber will help keep the center of the intestines or colon clear, but it will do little to remove the feces and waste clinging to the sides. So, while a constipation diet will help prevent blockages from forming, it is not as effective when dealing with preexisting conditions. Unfortunately for most people, including the right amount and type of fiber in the diet is only thought of after the problem exists. But, a diet rich in fiber will definitely reduce the symptoms and give you constipation relief.

Fiber supplements are a good idea in any constipation diet but including natural sources is definitely beneficial as well. Cereals and whole grain breads are great sources of fiber in any constipation diet.

It isn’t like we all haven’t had some difficulty with a bowel movement here and there. Whether it is because we are taking a new medication or just didn’t drink enough water for a couple of days, the truth is that mild constipation is inevitable. Having short term constipation may not be fun, but it is at least bearable in small doses. However, when severe constipation strikes it can literally make our lives a living nightmare.

Severe constipation symptoms
One of the signs of severe constipation is abdominal pains, not just when you are having a bowel movement or trying to, but also when you are not. The abdominal pains felt during severe constipation are caused by pressure being exerted on the abdomen. The pressure is created by feces that are collecting behind a blockage, otherwise known as a fecal impaction.