Home Treatment for Constipation

Constipation occurs when bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass. Some people are overly concerned with frequency because they have been taught that a healthy person has a bowel movement every day. This is a misconception. Some people pass stools daily, some every three to five days; either group can be said to be “regular.” If your stools are soft and pass easily, you are not constipated.

Constipation may be accompanied by cramping and pain in the rectum from the strain of trying to pass hard, dry stools. There may also be some bloating and nausea. If a stool becomes impacted, or stuck in the rectum, mucus and fluid will leak out around the stool, leading to fecal incontinence.

Older adults are somewhat more susceptible to constipation. Lack of exercise, too little fiber and fluids in the diet, laxative abuse, and some medications (antacids, antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, narcotics, among others) can all cause constipation.

How to prevent constipation

• Eat plenty of high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Three to four tablespoons of bran a day will help; add it to cereal or soups. See page 281 for more about fiber. Avoid foods that are high in fats and sugars.
• Drink 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids everyday. (However, some people find milk constipating.)
• Exercise more. A walking program would be a good start.
• Avoid overusing laxatives. They can become habit-forming. Some laxatives are also damaging to the colon.
• Go when you feel the urge. Your bowel sends signals when there is a need to pass stools. If you ignore the signal, the urge will go away, and the stools will eventually become dry and difficult to pass.

Home treatment for constipation

• Set aside relaxed times for bowel movements. Urges usually occur some time after meals. Establishing a daily routine, after breakfast, for example, may be helpful.
• Drink two to four extra glasses of water per day, especially in the morning.
• Add fruits, juices, and high-fiber foods to your diet.
• If necessary, use a stool softener or very mild laxative, such as milk of magnesia. Do not use mineral oil or any other laxative for more than two weeks.
• Doctors will sometimes recommend that you take a product like Metamucil regularly. If yours does, be sure that you drink at least two quarts of water each day, remain active, and include lots of fruit and fresh vegetables in your diet.

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