Constipation Remedies for the Elderly

Which of the constipation remedies are going to work best for you or your loved one?

Unfortunately, it is going to be a trial and error process. There is not a "one size fits all" answer. Everyone's body is different and everyone responds differently to each option.

Choosing which option should not be overly difficult however. Review the foods that cause constipation and preventing constipation articles.

See if you can simply remove a common food item or change the diet in a way that relieves constipation.

If those processes don't work, proceed on to home remedies for constipation and natural laxatives.

Most importantly .... START LOW AND GO SLOW

What that means is this: If you are going to add prunes to the diet, start with a few every morning and go up from there. Don't start with a cup of dried prunes twice a day. You need to give the body a chance to respond without causing additional discomfort.

Remember, the goal is balance, not explosive diarrhea.

By now you are familiar with the symptoms of constipation and have determined if you or your loved one is suffering from constipation.

There are several methods to deal with these symptoms that are not harmful to the body. Remember that stimulant laxatives can cause intense abdominal cramping and should be used only as a last resort.

Constipation remedies involve everything from diet to exercise to life style changes. You may want to look at those options before you progress to a medicine for constipation.

Look at the body as a whole and try to make adaptations that will decrease episodes of constipation.

Constipation Prevention

Preventing constipation is the first step in finding the best constipation remedies for your loved one. There are many life style changes that, when implemented, can reduce the discomfort associated with constipation.

Foods That Cause Constipation

There are certain foods that cause constipation. Many people are unaware of the common culprits and you may be surprised at what you find out here. Unfortunately, some of the foods we all love can actually contribute to constipation.

Diet for Constipation

Which foods should you add on a regular basis? What are some natural food items that soften the stools and stimulate the bowels to function more regularly?

Review the article Diet for Constipation to see if you can easily add a few common food items that can relieve any discomfort.

Home Remedies for Constipation

These are natural and safe home remedies for constipation that can assist in relieving constipation. As always, let your doctor know if you are implementing any of these options. Once you have a bout of constipation resolved, it will be easier to prevent further episodes by implementing the nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Natural Laxatives

Natural laxatives are generally safe to use occasionally but you do not want to train the bowel to become dependent on them either. Some may cause abdominal cramping. It is best to start with diet and life style changes, relying on natural laxatives only if the other options are not effective.

There are also many over the counter laxatives that may also be used. It is better to make diet changes first and use stool softeners and laxatives only when absolutely necessary.

You may need to begin with a natural laxative to help the bowel get moving as you are implementing diet and lifestyle changes.

Constipation home remedies can be very effective in relieving symptoms of constipation without creating MORE unwanted symptoms. Small changes can make a big difference.

A piece of advice ... do not implement everything at once. Why? Because you won't be able to determine what is actually working. A few small changes may be all that is necessary to both prevent and treat bouts of constipation.

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