To correctly treat the problem of constipation, we must first understand what it is and what causes it.
Constipation is when there are three or less bowel movements, and the bowel's consistency is small and hard.
It reaches a chronic level when the problem lasts for several months.
Lifestyle changes, poor diet and illness can cause constipation, and simple changes in your everyday life can help the problem when it is due to a lack of fiber, fluids and exercise.
Changes to become regular can be in sync with ways to lose weight- such as eating lots of fruit and vegetables and drinking eight glasses of water per day.
Time is precious to many people, especially in today's busy world, but when the body tells you it wants to release its waste, don't hold off.
Fighting the urge can lead to worse problems.
There are different types of laxatives that have been known to help.
One type is the lubricant laxative.
Containing oil, this treatment remains inside the intestine and coats the stool, making it softer.
Emolient laxatives, or stool softeners, docusate, which is a wetting agent that water to penetrate and mix with the stool, making for an easier flow.
Other ways include herbal remedies, enemas, products that combine different types of laxatives and miscellaneous drugs.
Before taking any type of laxative or other drug, a doctor should be asked for an opinion to make sure it is safe.
Exercise has been said to help, but studies have shown it has a limited effect on constipation improvement.