We have all been victim to the pesky digestive issue that is constipation, but have you ever stopped to think about ways you can prevent constipation? It is a digestive issue that can either present itself through a lack of bowel movements or irregular stool. Today, we are going to discuss the different ways in which you can alleviate bloating, how to prevent it from happening in the first place, and really get down to the bottom of what constipation really is.
Who It Affects and How
How constipation chooses to present itself varies from case to case. For some people it can mean a very irregular bowel movement schedule, for others it can mean very rare bowel movements, and for some it could be concerning the actual stool itself. It can occur to anyone at any age, but is most common in women, older adults, and people who are pregnant.
The bacteria in our guts is very important when it comes to ensuring our health is in its most optimal shape, but sometimes dysbiosis can occur which is when you have an unbalanced amount of gut bacteria in your gut leading to issues such as constipation. Constipation could occur, because if your gut has more methane producing bacteria in the intestines then it slows the intestinal time it takes to digest, create, and dispose of the stool.
Possible Reasons For Your Digestive Issues
There are a number of reasons you might be having constipation issues. If you are someone who finds themselves constantly relying on laxatives in order to have bowel movements, this could actually be the cause of your constipation. This is because overusing laxatives or similar products makes your body’s ability to naturally have bowel movements much more difficult. Instead of trying to use laxatives as a way out of your constipation issues, reach out to your doctor with any issues you might be concerned about and work towards using other forms of prevention to help your digestive system.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you have to listen to your body’s needs. If your body is telling you it needs to go to the bathroom, it is unwise to make your body wait or simply ignore it. This could lead to your body’s muscle functions feeling out of place and creating an unstable environment for your digestive system. Instead, be sure to listen to your body and stay consistent with its demands.
If you have recently travelled or changed any part of your normal routine, this could also lead to your body becoming constipated. This is due to the fact that your body starts to get confused and it leads to it failing to do its job in some ways, including the digestive system. If you are planning on changing something up in your schedule, try to start slow to give your body a chance to adapt.
When it comes to bowel movements, it is fairly normal to have bowel movements anywhere ranging from 3 times a day to 3 times a week, as long as your bowel movements have a good and comfortable consistency. Keeping an eye on your bowel movements is important to ensuring your digestive system is in order. Luckily, there are a number of ways to treat constipation when you do come across it and even ways to prevent it.
Ways to Prevent and Alleviate Constipation
Drinking water is a great way to prevent and alleviate constipation. If you are dehydrated, it could lead to constipation, because your body is not getting the fluids it needs to properly do its job. If for some reason, you find yourself dehydrated and constipated some people find that drinking sparkling water can help alleviate some of the constipation due to the carbonation of the drink. Either way, getting water back in your routine is essential.
Fiber is another great way to prevent and alleviate constipation. This is because fiber has been known to increase bowel movements but also change the consistency of the stool you might be disposing of. It helps the food pass through the digestive system in a more efficient manner with less of an issue. This being said, there is a fine line between a healthy amount of fiber intake and too much which could also lead to an overly soft stool. Finding that good balance can sometimes be hard, and this is where a food diary can come in handy in tracking what foods affect you and how. If you are more curious about food diaries and their benefits, be sure to check out one of our latest blogs here!
Even though exercise has not always been a quick fix for many people when it comes to constipation, many people have found that if they are not active in their lives they are more likely to be constipated. Even if it just means getting out for a walk every evening, getting your body moving regardless will make all the difference. This walk, or any exercise of your choosing is a great way for your body to get a kick start. Not only does exercise help with digestive issues, but is a great way to alleviate stress and give yourself an endorphin boost throughout your busy day. To learn more about the benefits of exercise, click here.
Another great way to alleviate constipation issues, and to prevent it in the future is by taking a probiotic. Our product, Probiotic Renu was curated with your digestive system’s best interest at heart. It is no secret that probiotics is the key to a healthy digestive system, but our product also helps fight fatigue, promote heart health, and boost your immune system. Put your best foot forward in terms of your health and shop Probiotic Renu here today!
These are just some ways you can work to alleviate any constipation issues you might be having. Much like with any digestive issue, working to fix constipation is not just a one day adventure, but requires dedication to taking the right vitamins and consuming foods that your body agrees with. Be sure to refer to this blog if you ever need a refresher on the do’s and don'ts of constipation and stock up on your own bloat reducing supplements right here!