Constipation and Diarrhea might appear as simple ailments to deal with at the beginning but many underestimate the potential for these ailments to become more serious or in fact be symptoms of a more serious underlying condition.
Constipation can be easily treated with home remedies and slight changes in lifestyle. The best first aid for constipation is to increase the intake of fiber every day. Fiber is known to soften hard and blocked stools. Fiber would also benefit the overall state of your colon and digestive system as it ‘scrubs’ the lining as it passes through, ensuring all debris is expelled. In addition to that, it is important that you drink more water each day. The effects may not be immediate with the combination of water and fiber, but after around two to three days there will be definite relief. The importance of this remedy is that it is also an effective preventative.
It may be uncomfortable to undertake exercises while suffering from constipation but this remedy is proven to work as well. Simple, light exercises will assist in displacing all the blocked up wastes in the colon. Gentle walking for at least half an hour a day is the best exercise to do and it is important to remember to drink water before, during and after exercising. Prune juice is an extremely beneficial remedy, which most people find success with and it is advisable to try this before resorting to over the counter remedies. The medical profession recommends that the sufferer of constipation should not turn to a laxative while it is still bearable. Medication for constipation is only recommended when all the previous suggested remedies have not worked after at least four days. Over use of laxatives can cause severe damage to the colon and has the potential to lead you to worse intestinal problems. This is why it is important to treat the cause of constipation, through slight changes in lifestyle, rather than to only treat the symptoms when they arise.
Psyllium is a one of the best natural remedies for constipation and is readily available. Ground psyllium husks are available from most health food stores and it is easy and convenient to use. It can be sprinkled on cereal or added to juices or thickshakes. Metamucil and fiberall are available at supermarkets and are added to a glass or water for easy consumption. Citrucel, another common brand name in terms of constipation medication, uses Methylcellulose, a bulk-forming agent which acts the same way as Psyllium does.
Milk of Magnesia and Phillips Milk of Magnesia are products designed alleviate constipation. Both brands contain Magnesium Hydroxide, which is used for short-term constipation relief. It brings in more liquid to the intestine to increase the urge of bowel movement. People who are suffering from constipation may also benefit from a stool softener. This can be used on a daily basis or as needed. The popular over-the-counter brand for this is Colace.
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