Once you’re back to normal bowel movements — at least once a day, passing them comfortably — you can stop measuring your water intake. Just drink enough fluids that your urine is colorless or pale yellow, and drink throughout the day as you get thirsty. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Bread and grains: 100% bran cereal (9g per ⅓ cup/80 mL), shredded wheat (3. 5g per ½ cup/120 mL), oat bran muffin (3g) Beans: 6–10g per ½ cup/120mL cooked, depending on type Fruits: pears (5. 5g with skin), raspberries (4g per ½ cup/120 mL), or prunes (3. 8g per ½ cup/120 mL stewed) Vegetables: potatoes or sweet potatoes (3–4g, baked in skin), green peas (4g per ½ cup/120 mL cooked), or green vegetables (3g per ½ cup/120 mL cooked).
Most lactose intolerant people can still enjoy plain probiotic yogurt and hard cheeses.
High-fat meats Eggs Rich, sugary desserts Processed foods (typically low in fiber)
Bran contains both magnesium and fiber, making it an excellent choice of food. Magnesium may be dangerous for people with kidney disorders.
The most common home remedies are mineral oil and castor oil. These are effective, but should only be used as a last resort. Overuse can cause vitamin deficiency or damage your intestine, causing further constipation down the road. Do not take these if you are on blood thinners, antibiotics, heart medication, or bone medication. [8] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
Try visiting the toilet 15–45 minutes after breakfast each day. [10] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You may not pass a bowel movement daily (even when healthy), but this is a good time to encourage it.
Lean forward with your hands on your thighs. Put your feet on a step stool to bring your knees above your hips. Instead of straining, take a deep breath with your mouth open. Let your stomach expand, then tighten muscles slightly to hold it in place. Relax your sphincter. Repeat this breathing exercise no more than three times. If there’s still no bowel movement, get off the toilet or pick up some reading material.
Wait one hour following a big meal before strenuous exercise (enough to increase your heart rate), or you could slow your digestion. [13] X Research source
Pregnant or breastfeeding women Children 6 years old or younger Adults over the age of 65 Anyone taking other medication. (If you are already taking a laxative or mineral oil, wait for at least 24 hours before switching to a different laxative. ) Anyone with severe stomach pain, abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting should avoid laxatives entirely, and visit a doctor immediately.
Some people are allergic to psyllium, found in some bulk-forming laxatives. [17] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
Many people moisten the suppository with tap water before inserting it. These suppositories are only intended for short-term relief. If you are still constipated after 3 days of use, see your doctor.
If you are taking any other medication, talk to a doctor before taking lubricant laxative. The hastened passage of stool can decrease the amount of medication that is absorbed.
The elderly, people with diabetes, and people with heart or kidney issues should be monitored regularly for electrolyte imbalance and dehydration while taking this drug. Saline laxatives are one type of osmotic laxative.
Check the label for phenolphthalein, which has been linked to cancer. This type of drug can also cause cramping and diarrhea.
A prescription laxative, such as lubiprostone or linaclotide. These may be suitable for longterm use. Enemas can deliver laxatives directly to the location of the problem, or flush out compacted stool. While available over the counter or as home remedies, they are best used sparingly and while following medical advice. If your doctor suspects a more serious problem, they may ask for a blood test, stool sample, X-rays, bowel examination, enema test, or colonoscopy. They may also suggest manual disimpaction for particularly difficult situations. [24] X Research source
