If you are suffering from mild to moderate constipation (having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week), constipation can be treated at home by making some changes to your diet. The most essential change is to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Fiber and water help soothe the process to pass stool through the colon. Some foods high in fiber include fruits, legumes, whole-grain bread, and cereals.
Guidelines for Managing Constipation:
| Increase fluids to at least six to eight glasses per day. |
| Eat a diet high in fiber. |
| Eat fresh fruits, fruit juices, and vegetables. |
| Avoid pasta, pastries, cheese, rice, and foods with white sugar. |
| Exercise regularly. |
| Establish a regular time for defection (the best times for evacuations are usually after a meal). |
| Drink warm prune juice or other warm beverages one hour before the scheduled defecation time to stimulate the urge. |
| Use toilet or bedside commode instead of bedpan if possible (Ideal position is a modified squatting position with feet placed on a stool.) |
| Relax by reading or listening to music in the bathroom. |
| Don’t delay when you have the urge to evacuate. |
| Avoid laxatives and enema abuse. |
| Take stool softeners, suppositories, or laxatives as ordered. (Overuse of laxatives can cause constipation.) |
| Use enemas or manual disimpaction for severe constipation. |
| Report constipation that frequently reoccurs or that does not respond to treatment to physician. |
