How can constipation be alleviated

Fiber-rich foods often contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Foods such as oatmeal, flaxseed, whole grains, fruit, beans, bran, and vegetables provide a fiber source that can prevent hard stool. Dietary choices have a strong impact on constipation. OTC fiber supplements can help increase fiber intake without having to eat excessive amounts of fiber-rich foods.

Fiber supplements come in capsule form or powder that can be added to water, take as directed. Add powder fiber supplements to water or juice but not carbonated beverages like soda. Allow your body time to adjust to the fiber supplement.

Drinking extra water can help reduce side effects, such as bloating. Digestion supported with probiotics can reduce constipation. Probiotics help restore healthy bacteria in the digestive system. Found naturally in foods such as sauerkraut and yogurt or taken as a supplement , probiotics can be added to your daily regimen to prevent or relieve constipation.

A natural laxative, castor oil derived from the castor bean can be taken orally to stimulate a bowel movement. Not only does this ancient oil lubricate the intestines, but it also causes the intestines to contract. Take castor oil as directed, one to two teaspoons on an empty stomach. Allow up to eight hours before a bowel movement occurs. Drinking caffeinated coffee can stimulate a bowel movement.

Caffeine can cause the muscles in the intestines to contract. This stimulation can move the stool toward the rectum. Though caffeinated coffee can help move bowels, it can also be dehydrating. Be sure to drink plenty of water when drinking caffeinated beverages, as not to worsen the condition.

Senna is an herb that utilizes the leaf, flower, and fruit of the cassia plant. Senna is a stimulant laxative that helps the digestive tract to contract. Often drunk as a tea, senna can be very effective and work within several hours after consumption. Approved by the FDA, Senna is available as a tablet or powder supplement.

It can also help with irritable bowel syndrome IBS and hemorrhoids. Warm liquids can be soothing to the digestive and gastrointestinal systems. Certains teas such as ginger and peppermint help upset stomachs. Below is a list of teas that could prove to be helpful if you are experiencing constipation:.

Lemon juice can help flush toxins from the body. As a natural digestive aid, lemon juice can be added to drinking water or tea to enhance bowel stimulation. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best. Often used externally to soothe cuts and burns, you can also take aloe vera orally to soothe the digestive tract. Drink aloe vera juice plain or add it to smoothies or other beverages to help alleviate constipation and IBS.

Drinking coconut water can be detoxifying and hydrating. It increases kidney function increases and stimulates the digestive system. Magnesium is also naturally found in coconut water, which helps the muscles in the intestinal wall move fecal matter out of the body.

Vitamins can be helpful to keep your digestive system balanced. Below is a list of recommended vitamins for gastrointestinal health. Eating foods that contain these vitamins could increase your number of bowel movements. Vitamins in supplement form are another way to ensure you are getting the proper amount of your daily recommendation.

While consuming too much dairy or dairy products can sometimes lead to constipation, some people can benefit from warm milk to stimulate the bowels, especially when ghee is added. Ghee is clarified butter and an ancient healing tool.

Ayurvedic practices have used ghee for its healing properties for thousands of years. You'll likely first seek medical care for constipation from your family doctor or general practitioner. You may be referred to a specialist in digestive disorders gastroenterologist if your doctor suspects a more advanced case of constipation.

Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of information to cover, it's a good idea to be well-prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor. In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment. Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.

Being ready to answer them may allow more time to go over additional questions you may have. Your doctor may ask:. Constipation care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis In addition to a general physical exam and a digital rectal exam, doctors use the following tests and procedures to diagnose chronic constipation and try to find the cause: Blood tests.

Your doctor will look for a systemic condition such as low thyroid hypothyroidism or high calcium levels. An X-ray. An X-ray can help your doctor determine whether our intestines are blocked and whether there is stool present throughout the colon.

Examination of the rectum and lower, or sigmoid, colon sigmoidoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor inserts a lighted, flexible tube into your anus to examine your rectum and the lower portion of your colon.

Examination of the rectum and entire colon colonoscopy. This diagnostic procedure allows your doctor to examine the entire colon with a flexible, camera-equipped tube. Evaluation of anal sphincter muscle function anorectal manometry.

In this procedure, your doctor inserts a narrow, flexible tube into your anus and rectum and then inflates a small balloon at the tip of the tube. The device is then pulled back through the sphincter muscle.

This procedure allows your doctor to measure the coordination of the muscles you use to move your bowels. Evaluation of anal sphincter muscle speed balloon expulsion test. Often used along with anorectal manometry, this test measures the amount of time it takes for you to push out a balloon that has been filled with water and placed in your rectum.

Email address. First Name let us know your preferred name. Last Name. Thank you for subscribing Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Your doctor may recommend biofeedback, a procedure that involves monitoring muscle activity with special sensors, to retrain your muscles to work properly.

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: February 19, Medically Reviewed. Dietary and Lifestyle Changes Lack of fiber in the diet is often the cause of constipation. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking.