Quick Constipation Relief Tips and Home Remedies

Constipation occurs when you have fewer than three bowel movements per week or have hard, difficult-to-pass stools, often causing excessive straining and prolonged time on the toilet. It’s typically a symptom of an underlying issue rather than a condition itself, with causes ranging from dehydration and low fiber intake to stress and other health problems. While there’s no specific number of bowel movements that’s universally considered normal, going three or fewer times per week can be concerning.

How to Relieve Constipation Quickly

If you’re struggling with constipation, the following methods can help induce a bowel movement within a few hours:

1. Take a Fiber Supplement
   If your constipation is due to a low-fiber diet, fiber supplements can be effective. They add bulk to your stool, helping it pass through your intestines more easily. Options include:

• Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
• Psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl)
• Methylcellulose (Citrucel)

1. Eat High-Fiber Foods
   Consuming foods rich in fiber can help alleviate constipation. These include:

• Oats
• Whole grain bread or cereal
• Whole wheat pasta
• Fibrous fruits like apples and bananas
• Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens
• Brown rice
• Beans and lentils
• Split peas
• Nuts such as walnuts, pecans, and almonds Avoid low-fiber snacks like chips, meat, prepared foods, fast food, and processed foods, as these can worsen constipation.

1. Drink a Glass of Water
   Proper hydration is crucial for regular bowel movements. Aim to drink at least 1.8 liters (seven to eight 8-ounce glasses) of clear liquids daily. If you haven’t been drinking enough water, a large glass may help trigger a bowel movement.
2. Take a Laxative Stimulant
   Laxative stimulants work by squeezing the intestines to induce a bowel movement and may take 6 to 12 hours to take effect. Over-the-counter options include:

• Bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Ducodyl, Correctol)
• Senna sennosides (Senokot) Use these primarily for severe constipation that doesn’t respond to other treatments.

1. Try an Osmotic Laxative
   Osmotic laxatives move fluids through the colon, but they work more slowly than stimulants, taking 2 to 3 days to be effective. Examples include:

• Magnesium hydroxide (Phillips Milk of Magnesia)
• Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX)
• Magnesium citrate
• Lactulose (Kristalose) Higher strength PEG options are available by prescription.

1. Use a Lubricant Laxative
   Lubricant laxatives like mineral oil coat the intestines and stool, helping them retain water and move more easily through the colon.
2. Take a Stool Softener
   Stool softeners such as docusate sodium (Colace) or docusate calcium (Surfak) draw water into the stool, making it easier to pass.
3. Try an Enema
   Enemas use liquid to soften stools and induce a bowel movement. Types include:

• Sodium phosphate (Fleet)
• Soapsuds
• Tap water enemas

1. Use a Suppository
   Suppositories inserted into the rectum can soften stool and encourage bowel movements. Common options include glycerin or bisacodyl suppositories.
2. Get in a Squat Position
   Placing your feet on a stool while sitting on the toilet to mimic a squat position can help pass stool without straining.
3. Exercise
   Light exercise like walking or yoga can increase blood flow in the abdomen, promoting bowel movements.
4. Try Colonic Massage
   Manually massaging the colon can stimulate bowel movements, especially for those with slow-moving stools.
5. Natural Remedies
   Probiotics may help treat and prevent constipation by increasing stool frequency. However, avoid them if you are immunocompromised. Consult a doctor before using herbal remedies, as some may interact with medications.

Constipation Relief for Children

Children with fewer than two bowel movements per week may be constipated, potentially leading to hard stools. To help, increase their fluid intake and encourage regular exercise. For toilet-trained children, regular toilet sessions after meals can be beneficial. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by diarrhea, abdominal distension, fever, poor appetite, weight loss, or constipation in infants younger than a month, seek medical attention.

Constipation Relief for Pregnant People

Constipation is common during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester and after childbirth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends increasing fiber intake to at least 25 grams per day and drinking more water. Short-term use of stool softeners may be safe, but consult a doctor if dietary changes do not provide relief.

Treatment for Occasional vs. Chronic Constipation

Occasional constipation can often be managed with over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners. Chronic constipation may require prescription medication, such as:

• Linaclotide (Linzess) or plecanatide (Trulance) for bowel regularity
• Lubiprostone (Amitiza) to soften stools and increase bowel frequency
• Prucalopride (Motegrity) for long-term idiopathic constipation

Consult a doctor for the best treatment options, especially considering the long-term safety of prescription medications.

Severe Constipation Treatment

For severe constipation unresponsive to dietary changes or traditional laxatives, options include:

• Laxative stimulants
• Biofeedback therapy to retrain colon muscles
• Surgery for rectal prolapse or blockage

Seek medical attention if you cannot pass a bowel movement without laxatives.

Lifestyle Changes for Regular Bowel Movements

To maintain regularity, incorporate these habits into your daily routine:

• Add more fiber to your diet, aiming for 22 to 34 grams per day, increasing slowly to avoid bloating.
• Exercise regularly with activities like walking, jogging, biking, or swimming.
• Drink plenty of liquids, aiming for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids daily.
• Manage stress effectively.
• Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement and try to establish a routine.

When to Seek Help

If constipation lasts more than a week and does not respond to treatment, consult a doctor to rule out serious causes and find effective treatment. Seek medical care if constipation is accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, cramping, or spasms.

Summary

Constipation involves having fewer than three bowel movements per week or having hard stools that are difficult to pass. Home remedies include increasing fiber intake, using laxatives or stool softeners, trying a squat position, exercising, or performing colonic massages. If home remedies fail, consult a doctor for other treatment options

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)