Treatment of constipation depends on the cause, severity, and duration of the constipation, but in most cases, following these simple dietary and lifestyle changes will help relieve symptoms and help prevent recurrence of constipation:

Diet

Eating a well balanced diet with enough fiber, 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day for adults, and for children – 10 grams plus the child’s age (example, an 8 year old child would need 10 grams + 8 years = 18 grams per day), is recommended by the American Dietetic Association to help form soft, bulky stools.

A high fiber diet includes beans, bran cereals, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. (High Fiber Food List). Limit foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, pizza, cheese, meat, snacks like chips, and processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes or frozen dinners. Examples of some high fiber foods include:

• Fruits
  Apples
  Bananas
  Peaches
  Raspberries
  Tangerines
  Oranges
  Pears
  Prunes
• Vegetables
  Acorn squash
  Broccoli
  Brussels sprouts
  Cabbage
  Carrots
  Cauliflower
  Spinach
  Zucchini
• Breads, Cereals, and Beans
  Black-eyed peas
  Kidney beans
  Lima beans
  Cold whole-grain cereal (All-Bran, Total, Bran Flakes)
  Hot whole-grain cereal (oatmeal, Wheatena)
  Wheat or 7 grain bread
  Spaghetti – whole wheat, with tomato sauce
  Spaghetti – whole wheat, with meat sauce

Drink Plenty of Liquids

Drink plenty of water and other liquids each day, such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups, so as not to become dehydrated. Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should drink enough of these liquids every day, about eight 8 ounce glasses. Liquids that contain caffeine, like coffee and cola drinks, and alcohol tend to dry out your digestive system, a dehydrating effect.

Exercise Daily

Exercise regularly. Lack of exercise can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know precisely why. For example, constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise. Regular exercise helps your digestive system stay active and healthy. You don’t need to become a great athlete, a 20 to 30 minute walk every day may help.

Don’t Ignore the Urge

Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. People who ignore the urge to have a bowel movement may eventually stop feeling the urge, which can lead to constipation. Some people delay having a bowel movement because they do not want to use toilets outside the home. Others ignore the urge because of emotional stress or because they are too busy. Children may postpone having a bowel movement because of stressful toilet training or because they do not want to interrupt their play. Set aside time after breakfast or dinner for undisturbed visits to the toilet.

Medications

Some medications can cause constipation. If you take medicine for another problem, be sure to ask your doctor whether it could cause constipation. If you are on medications that cause constipation, discuss with your doctor your options, such as a stool softener. More about Constipation and Medication.

Abuse of Laxatives

Laxatives are medicines that will make you pass a stool. Use laxatives only if a doctor says you should. Most people with mild constipation do not need laxatives.

Other Treatments

Treatment for constipation may be directed at a specific cause. For example, the doctor may recommend discontinuing medication or performing surgery to correct an anorectal problem such as rectal prolapse, a condition in which the lower portion of the colon turns inside out.

People with chronic (lasting a long time) constipation caused by anorectal dysfunction can use biofeedback to retrain the muscles that control bowel movements. Biofeedback is a painless process that uses sensors in the rectal area to help you feel the stool and move it out of the rectum. Doing biofeedback with a trained therapist has been shown to help some people with constipation.

Surgical removal of the colon may be an option for people with severe symptoms caused by colonic inertia. However, the benefits of this surgery must be weighed against possible complications, which include abdominal pain and diarrhea. Colonic inertia is caused by a decrease in muscle activity in the colon. This syndrome may affect the entire colon or may be confined to the lower, or sigmoid, colon.

Whenever a significant or prolonged change in bowel habits occurs, check with a doctor.

Source: digestive.niddk.nih.gov – July 2007