Most of us have suffered from being constipated at some time or other and many of us are aware that constipation is essentially when a person suffers from bowel motions that are very hard and difficult to pass. We will first look briefly at the main symptoms of constipation and will then focus on the main methods of prevention, treatment and relief.

Drink a glass of warm water with lemon before the start of your day on an empty stomach. Lemon has a laxative power to make things go smoothly in your digestive system and also it helps to clean your colon.

There are many treatments for constipation and knowing the underlying cause can lead you to the best approach. If you know that your fiber intake is low, increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat to a minimum of 5 servings per day. If this is inconveniently large for you or if it does not give enough relief, try some fiber supplements.

You can also change the quantity of formula you give the baby at a point in time and increase or decrease the frequency of feeding with formula. Include an increased quantity of water the baby is taking. If the baby shows any sign of improvement in bowel movements, know that it was as a result of inadequate water intake.

Orange is also beneficial in the constipation treatment. Taking one or two oranges at bedtime and again on increasing in the morning is an excellent way of stimulating the bowels. The all-purpose stimulating influence of orange juice stimulates peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon.

Prunes are also rich in Vitamin A and potassium as well as other minerals that activate essential enzymes in the digestive system. These enzymes dissolve the feces in the colon and move them out of the rectum. Further, potassium helps pull water out of the body into the colon and protects the colon walls from invasive bacteria.

Potty-Training. Children aren't the only ones who need toilet-training. You can train yourself by choosing a specific time and retiring to the bathroom whether you have the urge to make a bowel movement or not. Soon, your body would recognize the routine as the time when it has to move your bowels and moving will naturally become a regular thing.

Ducolax is another highly recommended, over the counter supplement. It is available worldwide and will help bring relief for your constipation. Ducolax makes drops, pills, tablets, and even suppositories. Their stool softener can help you through some uncomfortable times.

There are several natural remedies that don't include vegetables or fruit. You can eat one half cup of sunflower seeds every day or try drinking two cups of warm water on an empty stomach each morning. Half a teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of olive oil can be added to that warm water for a little extra help.

Well balanced diets with fiber-rich foods like whole grain bread, unprocessed bran, fruits and vegetables are recommended. The ideal fiber intake per day is 20 to 35 grams. Also, drinking plenty of water and regular exercise stimulate intestinal activity.

Laxatives are offered to those who still exhibit signs of constipation as a last resort however too much intake of bowel softeners can actually cause the problem to worsen. A doctor is still the best person to determine when a laxative is needed and which type.

To add a comment please login by clicking here