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Cures For Constipation
Constipation is one
of the most frequent bowel disorders people are prone to.
Uncomfortable and unsettling, constipation can make you feel bloated,
cramped, and frustrated for days on end. Constipation is
especially worrisome as it is also the symptom of more serious medical
conditions. The good news is there are plenty of cures for
constipation, and plenty of preventative measures you can take to avoid
it from happening in the first place.
More often than not, constipation is a sign that you haven’t
been getting enough fiber in your diet. Foods high in fiber
are the best cure for constipation, and you really can’t eat
too many of them. Oatmeal, bran muffins, and fruits are all
good sources of fiber. Dried apricots, prunes, grapes,
apples, pears and bananas are especially good fruits to eat for
fiber. Leafy greens like lettuces, spinach, and celery, are
good vegetables for fiber. Also, nuts are a good fiber source
as well; I pour a bunch of crushed walnuts and raisins in with my
oatmeal for an ultra high fiber breakfast.
Another cure for constipation is to boost the amount of water you drink
throughout the day. You may be getting enough fiber, but
aren’t taking in enough water for the fiber to
absorb. In order to act as a cure for constipation, fiber
needs to soak in water, which allows it to expand and help clear your
intestinal tract. If you’re eating plenty of high
fiber foods and are still constipated, drink more water!
Finally, many people don’t know that exercise is also a good
cure for constipation. Constipation is often caused by an
inactive and sedentary lifestyle, and even just a moderate increase in
your activity levels, such as talking a short walk everyday, may serve
as a healthy and effective remedy for constipation.
The last resort is of course laxatives. If you’ve
taken all the above measures and are still constipated, you may need to
use a stool softener or laxative just to get things moving
again. There are plenty on the market, and your guess is as
good as mine as to which is the best. Generally, I would
stick to tried and tested products, and avoid ‘all
natural’ cures for constipation, as laxatives can often be
harsh and have adverse side effects.
If you find that you are relying on laxatives as a cure for
constipation, you should also probably see a doctor. An
occasional use of a laxative is pretty normal, but if you are getting
exercise, eating fiber and drinking water yet still need laxatives
frequently there may be something more serious going on.
It’s never a bad idea to see a doctor about changes to your
bowel habits, and at the very least he or she will be able to help you
find some cures for constipation.
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
