This common predicament is nothing to be embarrassed about. There are plenty of proven tips and over-the-counter treatments that can prevent constipation and make it easier to pass your stools. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Constipation<\/a> is the most frequent gastrointestinal complaint that patients bring up to their physician[2]<\/sup><\/a>. Imagine the gastrointestinal tract is a water slide and your stools are hitching a ride. If there isn\u2019t enough water lubricating the slide, it\u2019ll be tough to move through it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, think of how a soft and buoyant inflatable tube has an easier time travelling through a slide than well, a rock or a couch. Similarly, when your stool becomes too dry or hard, it becomes more difficult for it to move through the gut. This leads to a lot more straining, and time spent on the toilet. Once you finally pass the stools, you might still feel like the rectum hasn\u2019t completely been emptied. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other signs and symptoms of constipation include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to ROME IV criteria[<\/sup>3<\/sup>]<\/sup><\/a>, functional constipation can be diagnosed if two or more of the following symptoms occur over the course of the last three months with symptoms starting at least 6 months prior: <\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of the factors that contribute to constipation are front and center during the holidays. For most healthy individuals, regular bowel movements occur up to three movements a day or as few as three movements a week[<\/sup>4<\/sup>]<\/sup><\/a>. During the holidays, this delicate balance is disrupted by changes in diet, sleep, and travel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re visiting family, you can guarantee a grandparent will offer you food every ten minutes. If you celebrate any holidays, you\u2019ll be eating delicious courses of holiday-centric foods. And of course, you\u2019re probably going to be drinking more alcohol than usual, after all you don\u2019t need to wake up and work the next day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s break down the factors that can lead to gastrointestinal disruptions and long trips to the bathroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to lower your risk of constipation during the holidays, you\u2019ll need to make sure to get enough sleep and exercise. You might also need to consider compensating for heavy dinners with healthy lunch or breakfast rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many over-the-counter laxative<\/a> pills and powders that you can take until the constipation is resolved. While laxatives are safe for treating constipation, some will have side effects depending on their mechanism of action[9]<\/sup><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure to follow all the instructions on the labels, especially for powder-form laxatives that may need to be mixed with a glass of water or juice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While holidays bring families and friends together, they may frequently lead to constipation. The travel, stress and dietary changes are a perfect storm leaving you with abdominal pain and straining in the bathroom. By being aware of these risk factors and having a variety of over-the-counter treatments at the ready, you\u2019re prepared all set to deal with the holiday poos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These products may not be right for you. Always read and follow the label. <\/p>\n\n\nWhat is constipation?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Diagnosing constipation<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What causes constipation<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Treating constipation with laxatives<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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