Constipation is a common problem that affects a lot of people. It is estimated to affect about 20% of people, resulting in millions of doctor visits each year. Ideally, it can be a result of the foods you eat or avoid, medication, disease, and lifestyle choices. For most people, it is difficult to know the cause of their chronic constipation. A patient is said to suffer from constipation when he or she experiences less than three bowel movements. It may also involve unpleasant symptoms like discomfort when going to the bathroom, pain, or abdominal bloating.
You should note that constipation can have serious negative effects on the quality of life, plus your mental and physical health. There are different ways to relieve constipation. It is easy to do them in the comfort of your home, and some are supported by science. The following are some natural remedies that can help you relieve constipation.
Drink More Water
When you are dehydrated on a regular basis, you can easily become constipated. You can prevent this by drinking adequate amounts of water. If you are constipated, you can find relief by drinking carbonated water to help rehydrate and get things moving. You should avoid drinking a lot of carbonated drinks such as sugar. That is because they are a bad choice for your health and can make constipation worse.
Eat More Fiber
If you are suffering from constipation, you will be told to increase your fiber intake. When you increase fiber intake, you can increase the consistency and bulk of bowel movements, making it easier to pass. It is estimated that most people with chronic constipation benefit from supplementing their diet with fiber. However, some studies argue that increasing your fiber intake can make the problem worse. They argue that fiber only increases the frequency of bowel movements and no other symptoms of constipation.
Exercise More
Exercise can help relieve symptoms of constipation. Recent studies have shown that exercise does not affect the frequency of bowel movements. If you are constipated, you should try to increase your regular walks. The truth is that exercise can help reduce the effects of constipation in some people and not in others.
Drink Caffeinated Coffee
As you know, coffee can increase your urge to go to the bathroom. That is because it helps stimulate muscles in the digestive system. Recent studies found that coffee can stimulate the gut in the same way as a meal can.
