Home Remedies for Constipation

Drink more water

Being dehydrated regularly can make you become constipated. To prevent this, it's important to drink enough water and stay hydrated.

When you're constipated, you could try finding relief by drinking some carbonated (sparkling) water to help you rehydrate and get things moving again.

Some studies have found sparkling water to be more effective than tap water at relieving constipation. This includes people with chronic idiopathic constipation or 

However, don't start drinking more carbonated drinks like sugary soda, as they're a bad choice for your health and may make your constipation worse .

Drink more water

Being dehydrated regularly can make you become constipated. To prevent this, it's important to drink enough water and stay hydrated .

When you're constipated, you could try finding relief by drinking some carbonated (sparkling) water to help you rehydrate and get things moving again.

Some studies have found sparkling water to be more effective than tap water at relieving constipation. This includes people with chronic idiopathic constipation or irritable bowel.

However, don't start drinking more carbonated drinks like sugary soda, as they're a bad choice for your health and may make your constipation worse .

·         Insoluble fibers: Found in wheat bran, vegetables and whole grains. They add bulk to your stools and are thought to help them pass more quickly and easily through your digestive system.

·         Soluble fibers: Found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils and peas, as well as some fruits and vegetables. They absorb water and form a gel-like paste, which softens your stools and improves the consistency.

Exercise more

Studies on the effect of exercise on constipation have shown mixed results.

In fact, many studies have shown that exercise does not affect the frequency of bowel movements .

However, a recent randomized controlled study on constipated people with IBS found some interesting results. It found that exercise significantly reduced symptoms .

Other studies have also found similar results for this group of people .

While many studies have found that exercise does not affect the number of times people go to the bathroom, it seems to reduce some symptoms of constipation .

If you are constipated, then try going for regular walks. It's definitely worth a try.

Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee

For some people, coffee can increase the urge to go to the bathroom. This is because coffee stimulates the muscles in your digestive system .

Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements

Probiotics may help prevent chronic constipation.

People who have chronic constipation have been shown to have an imbalance of bacteria in their gut.

It's thought that probiotic foods could help improve this balance and prevent constipation .

They could also help treat constipation by producing lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids. These may improve gut movements, making it easier to pass a stool .

A recent review found that probiotics seem to treat functional constipation by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and improving stool consistency.

Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives

You can speak to your doctor or pharmacist about choosing an effective laxative .

They may recommend one of the following types:

·         Bulking agent: These are fiber-based laxatives used to increase the water content of your stool.

·         Stool softener: Stool softeners contain oils to soften the stools and ease their passage through the gut.

·         Stimulant laxative: These stimulate the nerves in your gut to increase bowel movements.

·         Osmotic laxative: Osmotic laxatives soften your stool by pulling water from the surrounding tissues into your digestive system.

However, most of these laxatives shouldn't be taken on a regular basis without first speaking to your doctor.

Bottom line: Try speaking with your doctor or pharmacist about an effective laxative. There are many types of laxatives that can work.