Treatments For Constipation
When you ignore signals from your body that something is wrong, you lose the ability to recognize when it is time to move your bowels. Constipation is the result.
Going to the bathroom every day at the same time can be helpful to avoid constipation. Thirty minutes after breakfast or after a cup of coffee would be the ideal time. Caffeine is a stimulant of the intestinal tract. But caffeine is also known to cause heartburn, so realize that what helps one gastrointestinal problem may cause another. Nicotine, though also a stimulant, is not recommended as a treatment for constipation.
Retraining your bowels can take time. If you are at work when you have your breakfast meal, then you may choose a meal at a time in which you are at home. Any of your main meals will work for retraining.
The colon will be encouraged to contract when food enters your stomach. This stimulation is caused by nerves and some hormones are involved. Those with inflammatory bowel disease may feel the need to use the bathroom immediately after eating. While retraining your bowel against constipation, this reflex, known as the gastrocolic reflex, will work in your favor.
There are also drugs available to treat constipation. Some laxatives are known as bulk laxatives and add fluid to stool for easier passage. Others such as Metamucil and Perdiem are psyllium seed laxatives. Fibercon adds fiber calcium. Fiber supplements may also cause an increase in gas and bloating. This is normal and will settle down after your gastrointestinal tract gets used to the increased fiber in your diet.
Stool softeners may also help in treatment of constipation. They are not actually laxatives, but will loosen your stool for easier elimination.
Magnesium salts in Milk of Magnesia will add fluid to the intestinal tract. Dolculax is a stimulant laxative and it will make the colon contract.
Some prescription drugs used are Miralax, Zelnorm and Lactulose
Try the over the counter gentler products first. You can become dependent on laxatives if you use them to achieve a bowel movement for an extended period of time.
