A person is constipated when their bowel movements become infrequent, and they find it difficult to pass stool. While the condition develops due to insufficient fiber intake, factors like age, pregnancy, travel, and poor eating habits can also induce constipation. People can experience hard and dry stool, stomach pain, and even nausea when affected by this condition. So, here are a few treatment options, foods, and ways that can help relieve the symptoms:

Treatment options
Doctors usually recommend laxatives as treatment options like stool softeners, fiber supplements, lubricants, and stimulants. A couple of popular options are:

Linzess: This is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. The slow movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract can give the colon enough time to absorb all the moisture from waste, making the stool dry and hard. Linzess works by increasing the amount of fluid in the intestines, which speeds up food movement. So, this treatment option can provide relief from constipation while also improving associated symptoms like bloating, straining, abdominal pain, and the feeling of incomplete bowel movement.
Movantik: Doctors recommend this option to target the kind of constipation that is caused by prescription treatments for non-cancer pain. Movantik blocks the effect that pain prescription treatment has on the gut. It is usually taken on an empty stomach and works quickly—within 6–12 hours after the first dose.

Foods to have

Yogurt: Fermented food items contain probiotics, which improve gut health and soften stool.
Pulses: As constipation is usually associated with insufficient fiber intake, incorporating pulses that are excellent sources of fibers, i.e., chickpeas, beans, lentils, and peas, into meal plans would help relieve the symptoms. Fiber is a nutrient that facilitates good digestion and helps fight constipation.
Prunes: This fruit is one of the oldest and best home remedies for constipation. In addition to fiber, prunes have phenolic compounds and sorbitol that can have a laxative effect.

Foods to avoid

Dairy products: Ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products are high-fat and low-fiber foods that can cause constipation and even worsen the symptoms.
Fried foods: French fries, chips, onion rings, and donuts are best avoided as these food items take a long time to digest and move slowly along the gastrointestinal tract. This delayed digestion can also make people feel too full. So, instead of frying, opt for steaming or broiling as alternative cooking methods.
Red meat: Regular consumption of red meat, when not accompanied by sufficient fiber intake, can cause constipation. So, when having a steak, pairing it with a salad or a baked potato (with the skin intact) can make it a complete meal.

Ways to relieve constipation
Certain at-home remedies and lifestyle choices can also help relieve constipation and improve one’s overall health. Here are a few simple measures one can take:

Drink plenty of water: Dehydration can lead to bowel movement and constipation issues, so staying hydrated can help people avoid this condition. Sparkling or carbonated water might be more effective in relieving the symptoms than ordinary tap water. However, carbonated sodas should be avoided as these contain a lot of sugar and can make one feel dehydrated, worsening the condition. Sipping on warm water can also help improve bowel movement. In any case, drinking clean water is important. For those looking for a reliable whole-house water filtration system, Brita is a popular choice. The brand has many filtration products like the Brita Ultramax filtered water dispenser, Elite™ water pitcher, water filter bottles, water taps, and more. Customers can look for sales on Brita water filter products to get the best price.
Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to several health issues, including constipation. Moderate exercise such as brisk walking can encourage bowel movements. Other physical activities like swimming, jogging, and cycling can also help stimulate the muscles of the abdomen and gut, making them contract to enable the movement of food.
Have coffee: Caffeine has been found to work for people affected by constipation as it can help stimulate the gut, which could result in bowel movements. However, too much coffee can make one feel dehydrated, so having 1–2 cups a day would be considered reasonable. People can also go for a strong cup of tea instead of coffee.
Increase fiber intake: The best and most obvious measure is to increase the fiber intake through foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Fiber-rich foods add bulk to your stool, making it easy to pass through the digestive system. Fruits like watermelon and vegetables such as lettuce and cucumbers with high water content can help keep one hydrated. People may also seek doctors’ advice on taking fiber supplements such as psyllium husk.
Choose healthy fats: Foods such as avocados, olives, fatty fish, and nut butter can help one maintain their nutrient intake. The healthy unsaturated fats in these items can help ease the movement of food in the digestive system as they lubricate the lining of the intestines. Further, one should opt for these food items to replace sources of unhealthy fats (like fried foods) that can aggravate constipation.

Other home remedies that can help improve the symptoms include massaging the lower abdominal area 30 minutes after having a cup of warm water, fixing one’s toilet posture, and limiting high-fat/low-fiber foods.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem that can be treated using laxatives and treatment options like Linzess and Movantik, maintaining an active lifestyle, and adopting a fiber-rich food regimen. However, if one experiences persistent pain during bowel movements, blood in stool, or constipation for over 2–3 weeks, they should discuss these concerns with a doctor.