How To Get Rid Of Constipation In South Africa
Overview
When a person passes less than three bowel movements a week or has difficult bowel movements.
Constipation can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include dehydration, lack of dietary fibre, physical inactivity or medication side effects.
How To Get Rid Of Constipation In South Africa
- Increase the fibre in your diet by eating more fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole-grain or bran products (see “Tricks to add more fibre to your meals” below).
- Eat more foods that have a natural laxative effect such as prunes and linseeds (flaxseeds).
- Add a bulking agent to your diet. Bulking agents such as bran and psyllium husk aren’t laxatives, but work by increasing the volume of stool and making it easier to pass. These products are safe to use and regular use makes them more effective. Always drink plenty of water when taking bulking agents.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily in addition to other beverages with meals. Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.
- Decrease your alcohol and caffeine intake. Caffeinated drinks include coffee, tea and colas. It’s a good idea to have an extra glass of water for every cup of coffee, tea or alcoholic drink.
- Exercise regularly. Aim for about half an hour every day. Exercise such as the knee-to-chest position may help activate bowel movements – spend about 10-15 minutes in this position, breathing in and out deeply. Increasing activity is especially important in the elderly.
- Don’t delay a bowel movement if you feel the urge to go, as this can worsen the constipation. Take your time in the bathroom, allowing yourself enough time to have a bowel movement without distractions and without feeling rushed.
- Try resting your feet on a low stool while going to the toilet, so that your knees are above your hips. This can make passing stools easier.
- If your child has rectal pain because he or she is unable to have a bowel movement, try adding 60ml of baking soda to a warm bath. The baking soda and the warmth may help relax the anal sphincter (the muscular valves that normally keep the stool inside the rectum) and thus help pass the stool.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Does salt water make you poop?
Drinking salt and warm water has a laxative effect. It usually causes urgent bowel movements within 30 minutes to an hour, although it may take longer.
Is banana good for constipation?
Bananas are high in fiber
Fiber has long been claimed to help prevent and relieve constipation ( 2 , 3 ). Soluble fiber absorbs water, helping stools stay large and soft. This may help improve the movement of stool through your digestive tract ( 4 ).
How much water do you need to drink to relieve constipation?
“You should aim to drink between eight and 10 glasses of water or non-caffeinated drinks each day. And if you already are, two to four extra glasses of water a day may help ease constipation,” says Dr. Johal.
How long is too long to be constipated?
The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them just a few times a week. Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long.
What are the side effects of constipation?
For most people constipation rarely causes complications, but people with long-term constipation can develop: haemorrhoids (piles) faecal impaction (where dry, hard stools collect in the rectum) bowel incontinence (the leakage of liquid stools)
Should I keep eating if constipated?
You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That’s not the case. Do this: Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool.18 Jan 2022
How do I manually get rid of constipation?
Try to break up the stool in a scissoring motion. This prevents stool from being pushed inward, and makes the stool easier to remove in small pieces. Move your finger in gentle circles for about 60 seconds. See if any stool releases.
How do I completely empty my bowels?
Learn how to empty your bowels without straining.
- Drink up to 8 glasses of fluid per day e.g. water, milk, soups and juices.
- Limit caffeine drinks to 2 per day.
- Eat food high in soluble fibre (pasta, rice, vegetables and fruit).
- Limit foods high in insoluble fibre (bran and muesli).
How Can I poop faster naturally?
If you’ve ever gone for a walk or a jog, come home, and needed to immediately head for the toilet, you’re not alone. Exercise, even in small doses, can get your bowels in gear fast.
How long is too long to be constipated?
The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them just a few times a week. Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long.
Can I use my finger to help me poop?
Insert a lubricated finger into the anus. Move it in a circle until the sphincter muscle relaxes. This may take a few minutes. After you have done the stimulation, sit in a normal position for a bowel movement.
Does warm water help with constipation?
Staying hydrated helps soften stool and makes it easier to pass. Drinking hot water regularly may help keep your bowel movements regular.