People who repeatedly ignore the urge to move their bowels may eventually stop feeling the urge. Not enough fiber and fluids in the diet. A diet too low in fiber and fluids and too high in fats can con-tribute to constipation. Fiber absorbs water and causes stools to be larger, softer, and easier to pass.
Medical conditions. Disorders that affect the muscles or nerves used for normal bowel movements — for example, stroke, Parkinson's disease, or a spinal cord injury — can cause constipation. Conditions that affect hormones or metabolism, such as diabetes, can also lead to constipation.
How do you get rid of constipation at an older age?
Increasing dietary fiber intake to 25 to 30 g daily may improve symptoms of constipation. Encourage physical activity to improve bowel regularity. If nonpharmacologic approaches fail, recommend increased fiber intake and/or laxatives to increase bowel movement frequency and improve symptoms of constipation.
Taking certain medications, not eating enough fiber, having IBS, or being pregnant can make it difficult to pass stool. Elizabeth Pratt is a journalist who specializes in medical and health journalism.
Sitting correctly on the toilet and using this technique can help you empty your bowel more easily. Lean forward on the toilet with your forearms resting on your thighs, your legs more than hip width apart and your feet raised up on a small foot stool. Repeat for up to 10 minutes only or until your bowel has emptied.
Many foods are good natural laxatives that will help you move your bowels. High-fiber foods help move waste through your body. Add foods with fiber to your diet slowly, because eating more fiber can cause bloating and gas. Drink 8 to 10 cups (2 to 2.5 L) of liquids, particularly water, every day.
Drink more liquids, aiming for at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day. Liquids can help keep stools soft. Good choices include water, prune juice, warm juices, decaffeinated teas and hot lemonade. A hot beverage may help to stimulate a bowel movement.
Consider adding some the following fibre-rich foods to your diet to help ease constipation: High fibre cereals such as: bran flakes, Weetabix, porridge, muesli and shredded wheat. Whole grains.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category. Here are some examples of types of laxatives.
What is the best immediate laxative over the counter?
They're GSL (General Sale List) products, so you can buy them off the shelf in supermarkets and they're widely available online. Stimulant laxatives such as Senokot (made from senna pods) and Dulcolax (active ingredient: bisacodyl) are the fastest-working oral laxatives, with overnight results.
