While taking care of our overall health is a must, we as humans tend to focus more on building muscle and looking good and forget to think what is happening inside. The gastrointestinal tract is seen as our second brain, as everything that happens in it reflects on our whole body and is even a cause for certain mental conditions like anxiety, irritability, moodiness, etc.
Now, one of the most common cases relating the gastrointestinal tract is constipation – completely the opposite to diarrhea it is a problem where one person has problems with infrequent bowel movements. And if that is the case for more than a few days, it is time to react as chronic constipation can cause a variety of other health issues as well. Our bowel movements are mostly affected by what we eat and what we drink, but apart from that stress has influence as well – so if you were recently through a hard to swallow situation there is no doubt why your GI is now having trouble.
Having all this in mind, let’s go ahead and take a look at the few tips on how to fight off constipation!
Source: bustle.com
How To Cope With Constipation
- As mentioned above diet is the key, and if you are having problems with constipation, there are few foods you might want to eat. First and foremost, you should eat more foods rich in fiber, especially soluble ones. Fiber-rich foods include grains and vegetables (insoluble) as well as wheat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, legumes and beans (soluble). Still, in some people, too much fiber can even worsen the case so be sure to eat the right kind (nonfermented is the best – psyllium) and do it in balance. Along with that, eating dry fruits like prunes can be of great benefit. Last but not least you should increase the intake of probiotic bacteria either by drinking yogurt/kephir or through taking adequate supplements.
- Along with that, you should be drinking more water as dehydration is one of the more known reasons to cause constipation. And along with that drinking a cup or two of coffee (over your routine) can help you as well as it is a well-known diuretic and stimulates bowel movements. The same stands for teas like black and green as those can be your go-to options on the way to victory.
- Apart from certain herbal laxatives like Senna that could have a relieving effect, you can try some FDA-approved medication like MiraLAX is. It is an osmotic laxative that stimulates bowel movements, by drawing water in the colon and loosening the stools. It doesn’t work immediately, and it takes up to three days to feel its effects.
- Last but not least is exercise. You are constipated? Go run a circle or two and you will see that working out can have quite a healing effect when it comes to that type of a condition. Exercise stimulates your bowel movements and helps you have regular and normal stools.
Source: mydogpaws.com
Summary
Constipation is not pleasant, and it can turn into quite a persistent problem. Thus, by implementing the above-mentioned tips, you are doing your best and making sure to solve the problem as soon as possible. A healthy gastrointestinal tract goes a long way considering your overall health!
