Remedies for Chronic Constipation

Constipation is a condition characterized as having a bowel movement fewer than three times each week. Chronic episodes of constipation can be very uncomfortable. Constipation can often be managed simply by making a few changes in your diet and in your lifestyle, such as adding dietary fiber and getting enough exercise, as well as using laxatives if necessary.

Exercise

• Engaging in exercise has been encouraged as a preventative measure and a treatment measure for constipation for more than a century. Exercising for half an hour each day builds muscle tone. Building muscle tone can prevent chronic constipation by ensuring that the muscles in the digestive system function to move waste along the digestive tract and out of the body.

Fiber

• Increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Dietary sources of fiber include vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Achieve the maximum benefit of fiber in the diet by adding a fiber supplement to ensure regularity. When using fiber to treat chronic constipation, be sure to maintain adequate fluid intake. Failure to maintain adequate fluid intake will result in worsening constipation.

Laxatives

• Use laxatives such as enemas, suppositories and oral stimulant laxatives as a last resort for treating chronic constipation. Some people require the use of an enema or suppository every week, while others manage chronic constipation without using them at all. If needed, laxatives, enemas and suppositories should be used alternately to avoid becoming dependent on any one of them.