If constipation is making you anxious, you need to get over it quickly. Try mild over-the-counter medications, such as stool softeners or laxatives, which can make stools softer. If that doesn't work, you can try using a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. Meanwhile, eat fiber-rich foods to increase stool mass and drink plenty of water to facilitate bowel movements. Keep in mind that there are many treatment options that can take effect quickly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Over-the-counter Drugs
Step 1. Try an osmotic laxative or stool softener to promote bowel movements
Hard stool will be very difficult to pass. Purchase an osmotic laxative such as milk of magnesia or a stool softener such as sodium docusate or calcium docusate which are designed to soften stool by drawing water from the intestines. That way, the stool can be removed more easily.
Within 30-6 hours of using an osmotic laxative or stool softener, you may be able to have a bowel movement
Warning:
Do not use osmotic laxatives or stool softeners more than once a day because you can become dependent on these drugs for bowel movements.
Step 2. Drink mineral oil to coat the intestinal wall so that stools pass more easily
Because the body can't digest emollients like mineral oil, they stick to the intestinal walls. This slippery surface will make it easier for stool to be pushed out of the body. To drink mineral oil, swallow 1 tablespoon (about 15 ml) of the oil and wait 6-8 hours before trying to have a bowel movement.
Do not take mineral oil more than once a day or after using stool softeners. Drinking mineral oil for more than a few days can also prevent the body from absorbing vitamins properly
Step 3. Use an Epsom salt laxative if osmotic laxatives or stool softeners don't work for constipation
Epsom salt contains magnesium which has a laxative effect. To use this salt as an oral laxative, dissolve 2 tablespoons (about 30 grams) of Epsom salt in 1 cup (250 ml) of water or juice. Immediately finish the Epsom salt solution. You should be able to have a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Do not drink Epsom salt solution more than once a day because you can overdose on magnesium
Step 4. Use over-the-counter stimulant laxatives to treat serious constipation
If you've tried other medications or laxatives, but still can't have a bowel movement, buy a stimulant laxative that contains bisacodyl or senna-sennoside. This active ingredient can stimulate gastrointestinal contractions and allow you to have a bowel movement.
- We recommend that you only use 1 dose of a stimulant laxative in 1 day. Do not use this medicine for more than 1 or 2 days in a row.
- Be sure to try other constipation medications before using a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause dehydration and dependence if used too often.
Step 5. Try using suppositories if laxatives don't work for constipation
Purchase a suppository containing bisacodyl to relieve constipation and slowly insert it into the anus. Sit or lie flat for 15 minutes or until the suppository effect is felt and you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
- The time it takes for the suppository to take effect is about 10 to 45 minutes. Find a comfortable position near the toilet while waiting.
- Because suppositories are so effective, you should not use them more than once a day.
Tip:
If laxatives and suppositories don't help, call your doctor and ask if you need an enema treatment. Ask your doctor specifically for the recommended solution and the dosage.
Step 6. Seek medical attention if you are constipated for more than 3 days
Call your doctor if you've tried over-the-counter constipation medications and treatments, but haven't had any results. The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination to determine if something else is causing the constipation. You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion without being able to pass gas
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swollen or painful stomach
- Rectal bleeding
Method 2 of 3: Adding Fiber to Your Diet
Step 1. Include fiber-rich whole grains in every meal
Most people do not meet the needs of 20-35 fiber each day, and this can cause constipation. Try to eat fiber-rich foods such as breads, pastas, whole grain breakfast cereals, and oatmeal.
Legumes such as lentils, black beans, kidney beans, soybeans, and chickpeas are also good sources of fiber
Step 2. Eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables throughout the day
Leave the skins on apples and pears to increase your fiber intake or eat dried fruit like prunes, figs, and raisins. Eating fresh foods rich in fiber, such as berries, oranges, and broccoli, can increase stool mass. Intake of foods like this can make it easier for the body to push stool through the intestines and relieve constipation.
Tip:
Nuts are also a great source of fiber. Eat lots of peanuts, almonds, or pecans to increase your fiber intake.
Step 3. Take a fiber supplement daily to increase stool mass
If you're still worried about not being able to meet your body's fiber needs just from food, buy a fiber supplement that contains 6-9 grams of fiber. Follow the directions for use on the package and make sure you drink more water than usual to help pass stools.
Buy fiber supplements in capsule or powder form
Step 4. Avoid consuming long-digested foods
Do not eat foods that are low in fiber or no fiber at all while trying to deal with constipation. Foods like this can slow down digestion and make it more difficult for you to pass stool. Try not to eat the following foods while you are constipated:
- Potato chips or fries
- Processed foods such as fast food or frozen foods
- Meats, especially sausages or hot dogs
- Dairy products
- White bread or pasta
Method 3 of 3: Increase Fluid Intake
Step 1. Drink water throughout the day to soften stools
Although everyone's daily fluid needs vary, you should drink more water than usual, especially if you increase your fiber intake from food. Meeting the body's fluid needs will help fiber more effectively while preventing stools from becoming too hard.
Drinking warm water and clear soup can also help overcome constipation and meet the body's fluid needs
Step 2. Drink plum, apple, or pear juice to relieve constipation
All of these fruit juices contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect. Drink 1 or 2 glasses of juice throughout the day. In addition, the intake of this juice can also help meet your body's fluid needs.
Choose juices that do not contain added sugar or sweeteners
Tip: You can also try to eat 1 serving of prunes or beets once a day to help stimulate bowel movements.
Step 3. Drink a cup of coffee if it normally stimulates bowel movements
Coffee is a diuretic. So you should limit its consumption or you could become dehydrated. However, if usually drinking a cup of coffee can help stimulate bowel movements, just drink a cup and see if it can help relieve your constipation.
If you like, drink non-caffeinated coffee to get the same effect on the digestive tract
Step 4. Drink a hot herbal tea containing senna to stimulate bowel movements
Buy herbal teas that contain senna leaf or powder, which is a natural laxative. Drink a cup of senna tea 2 times a day until you can have a bowel movement.
The time it takes for the tea to take effect is usually around 6-8 hours
Tip:
Add a slice of lemon or a little honey to the herbal tea if you don't like the taste.
Tips
- Try massaging your stomach several times a day to stimulate digestion.
- You can also try ayurvedic remedies like Triphala or Dashamula, but be sure to consult your doctor first especially if you are also taking other medications.
- Try walking or jogging for 20-30 minutes to stimulate bowel movements. Mild exercise can increase blood flow in the stomach, thus helping you defecate.
- Consult a doctor if you experience frequent constipation. Your doctor may recommend that you change your diet, such as starting to take probiotics every day.
