You get regular exercise, eat lots of fiber, and drink plenty of water. So why are you still having trouble with constipation? You will not have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out this mystery. Follow these clues to see if they can help you put constipation away for good:
- Check your vitamins and supplements. Getting more nutrition is great, but some supplements may trip up your efforts to end constipation. Consider these suspects:
- Iron: If you take a daily multi-vitamin tablet, choose one without iron. Not only is this mineral a main cause of constipation, it may also increase your risk of colorectal cancer. If you are a woman who has reached menopause, or a man, you probably do not need extra iron.
- Calcium: If you take calcium carbonate supplements, try taking them in two smaller doses rather than one large one – and take them with meals. Not only will they be less likely to cause constipation, your body will also absorb the calcium better.
- Raid the medicine cabinet. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. Many common ones – such as sedatives, aluminum or calcium antacids, diuretics, anti-de-pressants, and cough syrup with codeine – can make your constipation worse. He may be able to recommend a non-constipating alternative. Just do not stop taking medicine without his approval.
- Consider your condition. You may find constipation a concern if you have certain health problems – like lupus, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. Ask your doctor for help, and follow his advice.
- Count on common sense – not laxatives. If you suffer from irregularity because of your digestive problems, do not reach for a laxative. Overusing them could cause chronic constipation. When you suffer the ups and downs of constipation, you may be tempted to reach for an over-the-counter laxative or other medicine for a quick fix. However, you could end up depending on laxatives, which would weaken your intestines in the long run.
The primary solutions for most constipation are as simple as getting more exercise, responding promptly when nature calls, and changing your diet. So, stop wondering why you have irregular bowel movements. Simply make the abovementioned dietary changes and lifestyle changes and you will back to a regular pooping schedule.