What makes constipation go away

Try to relax your muscles or put your feet on a footstool to make yourself more comfortable. If you think certain medicines or dietary supplements are causing your constipation, talk with your doctor. He or she may change the dose or suggest a different medicine that does not cause constipation. Your health care professional may recommend using a laxative for a short time.

He or she will tell you what type of laxative is best for you. You should only use stimulants if your constipation is severe or other treatments have not worked.

If you stop taking laxatives, over time, your colon should start moving stool normally. Talk with your doctor before changing or stopping any medicines. If you have problems with the muscles that control bowel movements, your doctor may recommend biofeedback therapy to retrain your muscles.

By using biofeedback therapy, you can change how you make your muscles work. If your doctor recommends surgery, ask about the benefits and risks. All things considered, you should see a doctor if constipation or any other physical discomfort is interfering with your daily life.

Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Defining Constipation Most people think constipation means not having frequent enough bowel movements. People may think if they are having a bowel movement every day, they can't be constipated, but you can meet the medical definition of constipation with just one of these symptoms: Fewer than three bowel movements per week Straining to start or complete a bowel movement Stool consistency that looks like rocks and pebbles A feeling of incomplete emptying Depending on the severity, constipation can cause problems such as abdominal pain and gas.

Excessive straining during bowel movements may also cause: Hemorrhoids swollen anal veins Anal Fissures tears Rectal Prolapse , where part of the rectum sticks out through the anus. Causes of Constipation Constipation has a wide range of causes and risk factors ranging from poor diet to more serious disorders. In terms of how our bodies operate, the causes of constipation fall into three categories: Slow transit: When stool doesn't move through your digestive tract quickly enough, you can become constipated.

Risk factors for slow transit include a low-fiber diet, dehydration and taking certain drugs, such as narcotic pain medication or antidepressants.

Intestinal obstruction is another potential cause, which may arise from a bowel blockage, narrow areas in the intestines called strictures or even cancer. Nerve signaling problems: Neurological nerve problems can impact the movement of stool in the digestive tract. Constipation can be an issue for people with conditions such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic muscle weakness and other muscle function problems are a major contributor to constipation.

Consuming more probiotic foods could help improve this balance and prevent constipation. A review found that taking probiotics for 2 weeks can help treat constipation, increasing stool frequency and stool consistency They could also help treat constipation by producing short-chain fatty acids. These may improve gut movements, making it easier to pass stools Alternatively, try a probiotic supplement.

Some studies have found that people started to feel the benefits of these supplements after 4 weeks Try taking probiotic supplements, which are available online , or eating more probiotic-rich foods to see if this helps with constipation. Prebiotic foods include:. Bottom line: Probiotics may help treat chronic constipation. Try eating probiotic foods or taking a supplement. A person can speak to a doctor or pharmacist about choosing an appropriate laxative.

Different types have varying methods of action, but all are effective for constipation 40 , However, people should not take most of these laxatives on a regular basis without speaking to a doctor. Bottom line: Laxatives are effective for relieving constipation. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist about the best ones to use. Constipation can be a symptom of IBS. The diet involves limiting high FODMAP foods for a period of time before reintroducing them to determine which ones the body can tolerate Such people will probably need to pay attention to other aspects of their diet, such as getting enough water and fiber, to experience relief from their symptoms 46 , However, that alone may not provide sufficient relief.

Glucomannan is a type of soluble fiber from the roots of the konjac plant. Some research suggests that it is effective against constipation 48 , As well as improving bowel movements, glucomannan may act as a prebiotic to improve the balance of good bacteria in the gut.

However, another controlled study found no significant effects Glucomannan supplements are also available. They vary in their benefits by brand, so it is best to compare brands before making a purchase.

Glucomannan supplements are available online. Bottom line: Glucomannan may help treat constipation in some people. Sources include supplements and shirataki noodles. Prebiotics are an indigestible carbohydrate fiber.

Prebiotics include oligosaccharide and inulin. Although dietary fibers reduce constipation by improving the consistency and bulk of stool, prebiotics have their effects by improving digestive health. Prebiotic fibers improve digestive health by feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which boosts probiotics and improves the balance of the gut bacteria 37 , In fact, some prebiotics may help increase the frequency of bowel movements, as well as make stools softer Bottom line: Foods that contain prebiotic fibers can improve digestive health and the balance of beneficial gut bacteria.

Prebiotics may help relieve constipation. Magnesium citrate is a popular home remedy against constipation. It is a type of osmotic laxative that people can buy over the counter or online. Taking moderate amounts of magnesium supplements can help relieve constipation.

Doctors use higher dosages to prepare and clean out the bowel before surgery or other medical procedures 54 , Bottom line: Taking magnesium citrate, an over-the-counter supplement, can help relieve constipation. Prunes may be the most accessible natural solution available. In addition to fiber, prunes contain sorbitol. This is a sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect 56 , Some studies have shown that prunes may be more effective than fibers such as psyllium 58 , The effective dosage may be around 50 g, or seven medium prunes, twice per day Learn more about prune juice for constipation and other juices for constipation here.

Bottom line: Prunes contain the sugar alcohol sorbitol, which has a laxative effect. Prunes can be a very effective remedy for constipation. If someone suspects a dairy intolerance, they can see their doctor for diagnosis. The doctor may recommend temporarily removing dairy from the diet, while increasing other calcium-rich foods , to see if it improves the symptoms.

Bottom line: Dairy or lactose intolerance may cause constipation in some people. In these people, removing dairy from the diet can help relieve symptoms.