Any form of
digestive upset can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but there's no need to let
conditions like constipation and diarrhea prevent you from living your best
life.
With careful
management of both the symptoms and root causes, including certain
gastrointestinal health conditions that can alter your bowel movements, you can
get constipation and diarrhea under control. This means you can spend less time
in the bathroom and more time doing the things you love.
Constipation
Both
constipation and diarrhea involve irregularities in bowel movements.
Constipation refers to bowel movements that come infrequently and are more
difficult. It is often painful to have a bowel movement when you are
constipated, as stools harden after about three days.
In addition to
less frequent bowel movements, constipation can also include symptoms such as
bloating and stomach cramping. You may be more likely to develop hemorrhoids if
you strain when attempting to have a bowel movement, which can cause additional
pain when sitting.
Causes of
constipation can range from minor gastrointestinal issues that interfere with
regular digestion to chronic conditions that need regular treatment and
lifestyle adjustments to manage. Most episodes of constipation aren't anything
to worry about and simply improve with time, but determining the cause of the
condition can help you find relief faster and prevent future cases.
Dietary
Changes
The vast
majority of instances of constipation come from changes to your diet that your
body doesn't manage well. Any kind of significant change can cause digestive
issues, but constipation occurs more often if you consume a lot of cheese and
other dairy products, neglect your water or fiber intake, or greatly increase
or reduce the amount of food you're eating.
You can
alleviate constipation by making an effort to eat the right kinds and amounts
of foods. Make sure you’re eating plenty of fruits and vegetables to add fiber
to your diet, cut back on dairy, keep yourself hydrated, and enjoy
healthy-sized portions for your height and weight.
Medications
Strong painkillers are known to cause temporary constipation. Other medications that have been linked to the condition include iron pills, antidepressants, and antacids. Laxatives are often used to relieve constipation, but overusing these can exacerbate constipation.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Types of Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis often cause constipation and other digestive issues. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often have issues with both constipation and diarrhea.
Lack of Physical Activity
Dietary upset
can come from something as simple as slacking on your body’s physical exercise
needs. Make sure you’re moving around throughout the day and try to get at
least 30 minutes of exercise a few times per week.
Relieving Constipation
There are many medications and home remedies that are meant to provide constipation relief.
Many people use laxatives or include high-fiber foods in their diets like bran and prune juice. Water and warm liquids can alleviate constipation, as can regular exercise.
If your
constipation comes from a long-term gastrointestinal issue, talk to your doctor
about options for treating the root cause.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a
fairly common condition where bowel movements are frequent with watery or loose
stools. This is usually a temporary condition that may appear infrequently
throughout the year due to changes in your diet or overall wellness, though
some people with underlying gastric issues may experience it more often.
Diarrhea
usually isn’t serious and tends to go away on its own after a day or two, but
it can sometimes result in dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water
during the day to keep your body replenished.
Diarrhea is a
natural part of your body’s response to various illnesses. It may occur when
you’re sick with a viral illness, if you eat something you’re allergic to, if
you have another health condition associated with digestive issues, or if you
were previously constipated.
Other causes
are minor conditions, but it’s important to take care of your body as you
recover.
Drink plenty
of water during the day. A good goal for water intake is to drink half your
body weight in ounces. For example, a 100 lb. person should try and drink 50
ounces of water per day.
Water is best,
but a good, healthy rehydration drink that does not contain a lot of sugar is
also great to rehydrate with, especially after a bout of diarrhea. Choose one
that also replaces your electrolytes, especially if dealing with diarrhea in
children. Avoid sugary drinks like soda pop and juice. Many energy drinks can
actually be harmful so you will want to choose wisely.
If you are
dealing with diarrhea in babies or toddlers, be sure to give them a healthy
rehydration drink often to replenish lost electrolytes. Contact your doctor if
the diarrhea comes with a high fever or lasts more than a couple of days.
Get lots of rest when you have diarrhea. You
may want to drink beverages with electrolytes, tea, or even chicken broth to
soothe your stomach.
Medications
that contain bismuth subsalicylate can alleviate symptoms as well.
Addressing Underlying Issues
of Chronic Conditions
Chronic cases
of constipation and diarrhea could indicate an underlying gastrointestinal
health issue that should be evaluated.
You can create
a more permanent solution to chronic diarrhea or constipation by treating
underlying digestive issues. Pay close attention to controlling conditions like
IBS and Crohn’s disease through medication, exercise, a healthy diet and
supplementation.
Final Thoughts
Constipation
and diarrhea are generally not considered serious conditions when they last a
short while, but if they occur frequently, they may point to more worrying
health concerns. If you notice that you have either of these conditions on a
regular basis, it’s a good idea to get tested for common causes that often are
related to gastrointestinal health.
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Be well
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