What to eat at night for constipation. List of effective medications for constipation in adults. What medications to take. How to get rid of constipation at home quickly and easily

Every person has encountered the problem of constipation. What is the reason for such a frequent and widespread disease? There are many reasons for difficulty defecating, ranging from diseases gastrointestinal tract, ending with a lack of physical activity. To solve this problem, to make life easier, you must first understand the reasons and understand its physiological meaning.

What is constipation

Constipation is considered a condition when the frequency of bowel movements is less than the norm established by medicine or in the presence the following symptoms:

feeling incomplete emptying after going to the toilet;
small amount of feces, increased density;
disturbance in the usual frequency of bowel movements or its absence for several days.

Residues of food remain in the intestines without being completely eliminated. The mass becomes denser and actively develops pathogenic microflora. All this is accompanied external symptoms:

heaviness and painful bowel movements;
sleep problems;
pain in the lower abdomen;
lack of appetite.

Chronic constipation is especially dangerous, the fight against which requires long-term treatment. The cause may be cholecystitis, pancreatitis, stroke, diabetes, dysbacteriosis. In general, there are a lot of types of constipation, and they all depend on the reasons for their appearance:

congenital or caused by developmental disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
due to injury or taking certain groups medical supplies;
due to the small amount of water, dietary fiber;
violation of peristalsis for unknown reasons.

Possible reasons

The most common causes of this problem are poor diet. What does it consist of and how to deal with constipation by correcting your diet? The mistake is that modern man eats too little fiber and drinks little water, which becomes decisive when constipation occurs. To correct the diet, limit or refuse:

white bread;
hard cheeses;
black tea;
coffee;
processed cereals, flour products.

It's better to give up refined sugar. The first step towards correcting nutrition is the introduction of vegetables and fruits into the diet. It is better to eat coarse vegetables and fruits rich in coarse fiber (pear, carrots). Particular attention should be paid to the amount of fluid consumed. The minimum norm is one and a half liters per day. Drinking this amount of fluid every day is an excellent prevention. Good to drink before meals Activated carbon.

What helps with constipation

How to get rid of constipation using what methods? There are traditional medicine methods, drugs, and special diet, exercises, massages. The methods are effective in the case of a systematic approach with parallel consultation with a doctor. Treating constipation at home can be successful if the problem is not chronic. An enema is effective for removing fecal stones in the intestines, but the action is one-time and does not solve the problem of constipation.

Medications

To understand how to get rid of constipation in your case, you need to know the cause of its occurrence and the principle of action of each individual remedy. Before using the medicine, try to solve the problem by adjusting your diet and doing exercises in a natural way. If the result does not appear for a long time, then laxatives will help get rid of fecal stones in the intestines. When treating constipation, not only tablets are used, but also syrups, powders, solutions, and suppositories. Based on their operating principle, they are divided into:

irritant effect - irritation of intestinal receptors, which leads to a single bowel movement after a few hours ( Castor oil, Trimedat);
prebiotics – cause growth beneficial microflora, which acts as an irritant laxative and osmotic; restore motility and microflora (Duphalac, Lactitol, Lactobacterin);
osmotic action– retain water in the intestines, can soften feces (citrate, Microlax);
Bowel fillers – act by increasing volume feces and cause intestinal contractions (methylcellulose, flax seeds).

Folk laxatives

If you introduce carrot or sea buckthorn juice, mineral waters into your diet, eat wheat bran, figs, raisins, dried apricots, prunes, kiwi between meals, and drink kefir, you can eliminate constipation. It is useful to take flaxseed oil for constipation and olive oil, Vaseline in combination with decoctions. Homemade laxatives are made from herbs that help cleanse the body without injuring the stomach:

licorice;
wavy rhubarb;
marshmallow;
senna leaves;
chamomile.

The decoctions are prepared simply:

ratio of plant materials and water – 1:10;
cook over low heat for 20 minutes;
after cooling, add water and take half the volume of the decoction twice a day.

Enema

An enema for constipation is a radical remedy. When used correctly, once, it has a safe and high-quality effect. Use warm, boiled water, no more than 2 liters. The enema is placed one and a half meters above the body, the hose is inserted 7-10 cm into the colon and liquid is introduced from the reservoir gradually, adjusting with a clamp. The enema can be done lying down or in the knee-elbow position. After 10 minutes, go to the toilet and empty your bowels.

Exercises for constipation

Many exercises are effective. They must be done on time morning exercises after drinking a glass of warm water. For active bowel function, massage with special exercises:

“bicycle” – lying on your back, simulating riding, perform for several minutes, 2-3 times;
lying on your back, pulling your legs towards your body - press your bent legs tightly to your chest for 20 seconds and slowly lower them, perform 20 times.
in the knee-elbow position, lower your head between your hands and slowly squat to the right and left, touching your heels.

Massage

Circular massages with slight pressure along the path of movement of feces in the large intestine are useful. For chronic constipation, massage a certain point in the lower abdomen is practiced. It is located diagonally from the navel on the left side, where the large intestine can be felt. By massaging with your fingers in a circular motion for a few minutes a couple of times a day, you can get rid of even chronic constipation forever. This is due to mechanical stimulation.

Treatment of constipation in children

Problematic stool in a child may be due to microflora disturbances, food allergies, or the transition to solid foods. In infants, constipation may be associated with high fat content of milk. In children who are over a year old, constipation can be caused psychological reasons. Treatment consists of dietary adjustments, physical activity and massage. It is undesirable to use laundry soap or aggressive laxatives.

Remedies for constipation in adults

Running, fitness and yoga, drinking fluids and the presence of dietary fiber of natural origin in the diet are all factors that will help cope with constipation. Even the position you take while sitting on the toilet is important: your feet should not be on the floor, but slightly raised. This position provides slight pressure on the abdomen and easy emptying.

Gymnastics

People of any age and lifestyle are susceptible to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Poor quality or stale products, low level physical activity, stress or any external factors may cause constipation. You should not delay treatment for this disease, because it can have quite serious consequences.

Why does constipation occur?

The modern rhythm of life sometimes leaves us no time to prepare healthy and healthy food. Frozen meat and vegetables, sausage, sausages, semi-finished products - all this is part of the average diet of almost every person. We do not always drink enough water, which leads to a slowdown in metabolic processes in the body. A snack at work - more often tea with cookies or sweets than fresh fruits rich in fiber... All this leads to disruption of the motor-evacuatory function of the intestines. So what do we get? Unhealthy complexion, lack of appetite (and sometimes nausea), in the worst cases - pain in the left lower abdomen. These are all symptoms of constipation.

Anyone can experience this disease, but there are those who are especially susceptible to developing the disease. In infants, constipation occurs as a result of underfeeding or malabsorption. nutrients. During pregnancy, constipation may occur due to compression of the intestines by the enlarged uterus or changes in hormonal levels. Due to weakening of the intestinal muscles and changes in the functioning of the endocrine glands, older people often suffer from constipation.

Depending on the cause, there are several types of constipation:

atonic constipation occurs due to poor nutrition;
Spastic constipation is associated with dysfunction autonomic system;
neurogenic constipation - due to the habit of tolerating;
hypodynamic constipation is associated with low physical activity;
proctogenic constipation is associated with other diseases of the rectum (hemorrhoids, fissures, etc.);
mechanical constipation occurs in patients with an intestinal tumor, when scarring occurs on the rectum or when it is compressed from the outside;
toxic constipation is caused by poisoning;
there is constipation due to heart or kidney failure;
endocrine constipation occurs due to disruption thyroid gland and other parts endocrine systems s;
Drug-induced constipation can be caused by drugs containing iron, anesthetics, antidepressants, etc.

If the patient himself can identify the cause of the disease, then it is quite possible that he will be able to solve the problem without the help of specialists.

What to do if you are constipated: urgent measures

If the patient is willing to endure the symptoms for a few more hours, then he can be helped traditional methods. Prepare a decoction of sena leaves, rhubarb root or buckthorn. It is enough just to boil 15 grams of the plant in 200 ml of water for 20 minutes, dilute the decoction with water and give it to the patient to drink. After 8–10 hours the product will take effect.

Dandelion helps relieve constipation by stimulating intestinal motility. Two tablespoons of roots or leaves should be poured into 400 ml of boiling water and left to infuse overnight. In the morning, in several doses, you need to drink the entire broth half an hour before breakfast, and after a few hours the problem will be solved. Chamomile tea can also help relieve constipation as it relieves spasms in the rectum.

If the patient needs faster treatment, then it is better to turn to medications. Herbal preparations such as “Senade”, “Gerbion Laxana”, “Regulax” will help get rid of constipation. These remedies will take effect in about 6 hours. But you should not take such drugs often, they can be addictive and harm the liver and intestinal mucosa.

Medications that only affect the colon, such as Regulax or Laxigal, are also taken for constipation, but they can overdo it and cause diarrhea. In addition, you will have to wait longer for their action - from 10 to 12 hours.

The most emergency measure- oil mini-enema. You can also use an enema with plain water, but then you will need a larger volume, and this can cause discomfort, especially for children. The drug "Mikrolax", produced in the form of a microenema, will take effect in about 10 minutes, but you should not abuse it, it can cause a burning sensation.

Do not self-medicate, because even a harmless decoction can cause a severe allergic reaction. Before using any folk remedies, be sure to consult with your doctor, at least by phone, and read the list of contraindications for the method of therapy you have chosen.

When is it time to see a doctor?

Not always self-treatment constipation appears to be effective. If the patient has changed his diet and diet, exercises regularly, is not exposed to stress or poisoning, and the disease still has not subsided and lasts for 2-3 weeks, then it is time to go to the doctor. Bloody discharge, causeless weight loss, immunity to laxatives are also reasons to consult a specialist.

It is best to start treating constipation by contacting a gastroenterologist. The doctor will conduct an examination and, if necessary, prescribe hardware diagnostics, tests, or refer you to another specialist. It is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner, because persistent constipation may be a consequence of more serious gastrointestinal diseases. They may also indicate problems with the nervous or endocrine systems. The most terrible consequence failure to consult a doctor in a timely manner - colon cancer, which can develop due to stagnation of harmful substances in the body.

Treatment of constipation

The main principle of treating constipation is to establish intestinal motility and normalize the functioning of its muscles. In order to eliminate the causes and consequences of the disease, the following methods are usually used.

Correction of nutrition and lifestyle

Most effective method getting rid of constipation means changing your lifestyle and eating habits. It is worth limiting the consumption of the following products: strong coffee and tea, cocoa and fruit jelly, hot sauces, fatty poultry, fish and meat, smoked and canned foods, flour products. But freshly squeezed fruit, berry and vegetable juices should be made an integral part of the diet. It is better for the patient to drink more liquid, this will speed up the digestive processes. Also useful will be thin porridges, light broths, wholemeal bread, sour cream and cottage cheese and, of course, the best friend of healthy digestion - kefir.

It is better to eat at the same time, this recommendation also applies to healthy people. Another measure against digestive problems is an active lifestyle. Bicycle and hiking, yoga, swimming, exercise before breakfast will not only help the digestive system, but also strengthen the body.

Whole milk, as well as dairy products high fat content, for constipation can be consumed in limited quantities so as not to provoke diarrhea.

Medications

If the problem turns out to be quite serious, the doctor may prescribe medication. Laxatives are divided into several groups:

irritating - stimulate the intestinal muscles (Bisacodyl and its analogues, Guttalax, Senade, castor oil). Long-term use of these drugs may cause pain and cramping;
prebiotics - normalize microflora (Duphalac, Prelax, Importal N). These drugs are the safest; you can take them for up to three months, but their effectiveness is lower;
fillers - help remove feces by increasing their volume (wheat bran, flax seeds, Ispagol). It will not help those who suffer from chronic constipation;
agents that increase osmotic pressure (Lavacol, Relaxan, Epsom salts). Typically, this group of drugs is used before medical intervention for quick cleansing intestines;
herbal medicines - various preparations, active additives (“Fitolax”, “Kafiol”). When taking these medications, you need to pay attention to such side effects as the possibility of allergies;
suppositories - “Bisacodyl” (contraindicated for children under two years of age), “Glycelax”. They act very quickly, but using them too often is not recommended.

Physiotherapy

Sometimes physical therapy is prescribed for constipation. This can be treatment with sulfate waters, thermal procedures, ultraviolet irradiation. Typically, the method chosen depends on the cause of constipation. For spastic constipation, the doctor may prescribe electrophoresis of a solution of magnesium sulfate, and atonic constipation is treated with electrophoresis of a solution of potassium chloride. The procedures must be done 12–15 times, each lasting about half an hour.

In some cases, the doctor may prescribe peat or paraffin applications or treatment with dynamic currents.

Phytotherapy

A fairly safe method of treating constipation is herbal medicine. For treatment, in addition to the herbal infusions we mentioned, beet juice, carrot juice mixed with prunes, and Jerusalem artichoke juice are used. Prune infusion helps a lot. The berries should be left in a glass overnight cold water, and in the morning drink the infusion before meals; during breakfast it is useful to eat the prunes themselves.

Red rowan syrup has a laxative effect, but its preparation is quite labor-intensive: you need to keep the berries in sugar for 3-4 weeks. Much faster you can prepare an infusion of flax seeds or wheat bran. To do this, pour flax into a glass of boiled water for 12 hours, then take one tablespoon three times a day before meals. Or two tablespoons of wheat bran should be placed in a glass of hot milk, wrapped and left for 30–40 minutes, in the morning before breakfast, eat half a glass.

You can also take seaweed powder with water.

Exercise therapy

For those who do not want to take medications, be it decoctions and infusions or tablets, it is suitable physiotherapy. There are some simple exercises you can do at home.

Lie on your back and “cycle the bike”: this will help stretch your muscles. Then bend your knees alternately and press your thighs toward your stomach.
Get on your knees, place your hands on the floor and alternately squat on your thighs. From the same position, straighten your legs back, also one at a time, arching your back.

These exercises stimulate intestinal function and blood flow, strengthen the pelvic muscles, and improve well-being.

There are many treatments for constipation different methods, they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Drug treatment can cause harm to other organs, folk remedies are sometimes not effective enough and relieve, rather, the consequences than the causes of constipation, and balanced diet And physical exercise They help only when a person constantly adheres to the recommendations and does not give himself any concessions. But there is also Alternative option The solution to this problem is Tibetan medicine.

If you have problems with bowel movements, anti-constipation tablets, available in a wide range of pharmacy chains, will help. But, before purchasing a laxative, you should clarify its effect on the body and take into account possible contraindications. After all, each medication has a special composition and application features that should be taken into account during the treatment process. The haphazard use of laxatives can only aggravate the problem, so a doctor should prescribe such drugs.

According to statistics, up to 30% of the population suffers from chronic constipation, regardless of age. Problems with timely bowel movements can arise for various reasons, which are most often associated with disruption of digestive processes and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Therefore, treatment of the disease requires an individual approach, taking into account concomitant diseases, dietary habits and lifestyle of the patient. Today we will find out which anti-constipation pills best help cope with intestinal atony, and tell you about the features of their use.

Doctors advise resorting to taking laxatives only in emergency cases. They cannot be used constantly, since long-term use of medications is addictive, which subsequently leads to disruption of the natural state and other problems. Any drugs with a laxative effect should not be used for more than 10 days in a row.

All laxatives, taking into account their composition and mechanism of action, can be divided into several large groups:

Irritant drugs

They are considered the most effective and are used for intestinal atony and peristalsis disorders associated with a sedentary lifestyle or dietary habits. These are fast-acting constipation tablets that allow you to induce bowel movements and clear your bowels within 6 to 8 hours after taking them. In this case, bowel movement occurs due to chemical stimulation of colon receptors. Representatives of this group, produced in the form of tablets or capsules:

Bisad;
Pyrilax;
Dulcolax;
Laxacodil;
Senadexin;
Herbion Laksana.

The use of such drugs should be short-term, since too frequent use of laxatives with an irritating effect disrupts the process of peristalsis and increases the risk of developing intestinal atony and disturbances in the electrolyte balance of the blood.

Laxatives with irritating effects are used in emergency cases to relieve acute constipation. They should not be prescribed for the treatment of chronic problems with bowel movements, gastrointestinal bleeding, anal fissure, exacerbations of hemorrhoids, proctitis or intestinal obstruction.

Probiotics

Drugs in this group are considered the safest means that help improve digestion and get rid of constipation. Such medications have virtually no contraindications; probiotics can be taken by children, pregnant and lactating women.

Once in the intestines, they restore the balance of beneficial microflora, provide a mild laxative effect, stimulate peristalsis and promote regular cleansing. Representatives of this group, most often used for constipation, include:

Lactusan;

Probiotics contain beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, are not addictive, and do not cause side effects. But you should not expect instant action from taking such drugs; stool appears after 3-4 days of regular use of the drug. Probiotics are recommended to be taken for acute and chronic constipation, as well as in the process of treating dysbiosis accompanied by stool retention.

Anti-constipation tablets with osmotic action

Effective tablets for constipation, the mechanism of action of which is based on the retention of water in the intestines, due to which the stool softens and their excretion is accelerated. For regular constipation, osmotic laxatives are not used; they are prescribed for effective one-time cleansing during food or drug poisoning or for the purpose of preparing the intestines for diagnostic procedures.

The advantage of this group, compared to irritants, is that there is no risk of developing intestinal atony. Osmotic laxatives are mainly produced in the form of solutions or powders designed to be dissolved in water. These include tools such as:

Carlsbad salt,
Fortrans,
Macrogol,
Lavacol,
Microlax.

Among tableted osmotic agents, one can name the drug Poslabin (Lactulose).

Enteric fillers

Another group of laxatives, represented mainly by substances of natural origin that are not absorbed in the intestines, but simply increase the volume of stool and promote bowel movements.

Such drugs do not improve peristalsis, so they do not always achieve the desired effect, but can provoke bloating and painful spasms. The main representatives of intestinal fillers are methylcellulose, agar-agar, bran, flax seeds.

Since in this article we are looking at laxatives in tablet form, we will dwell in more detail on the most popular drugs from the group of probiotics and irritants.

The best pills for constipation

Senade (analogues of Regulax, Senadexin, Gerbion Laxana, chewable lozenges Senna).

Senade - popular, inexpensive tablets from constipation. Just like its analogues, the basis of this product is sennosides isolated from medicinal plant senna. Active substances have an irritating effect on the receptors of the large intestine, providing a laxative effect.

Indications for the use of drugs are acute constipation associated with impaired intestinal motility. The tablets are not intended for long-term use, since this approach increases the risk of liver damage, intestinal atony, the appearance of protein in the urine, and dehydration.

The drug is contraindicated for use in conditions such as intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory diseases internal organs, gastrointestinal or uterine bleeding, stomach ache unknown etiology, peritonitis. The laxative is used with extreme caution in pregnant and lactating women and in children (from 6 years of age). Taking Senade can cause nausea, cramping abdominal pain associated with excessive intestinal activity, and flatulence. Once the drug is stopped, these symptoms disappear.

The standard dosage of a laxative is 1 tablet after meals. It is better to take the drug at night. If bowel movements do not occur in the morning, the dose can be doubled. Senada price - from 25 rubles.

Cheap, irritating laxative tablets that are often prescribed as emergency assistance for constipation. Like other drugs in this group, Bisacodyl cannot be used long time, otherwise the risk increases unwanted complications. The drug improves intestinal motility by irritating receptors and helps normalize stool.

Bisacodyl is used to relieve constipation, cleanse the intestines before surgical interventions or diagnostic tests. Taking a laxative is contraindicated for intestinal obstruction, constipation associated with the appearance of intestinal polyps, acute course inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.

This drug should not be prescribed to persons with hypersensitivity to the active substance, if internal bleeding and gastroenteritis. Taking the drug can cause the same side effects that cause senna drugs.

For adults, standard Bisacodyl is 1 to 3 tablets per day. You can take the drug in the evening or in the morning, the desired effect occurs within 6-10 hours. In children, laxative tablets are used from the age of six, 1 tablet at night.

For an hour before and after taking the drug, you should not drink milk or take antacid medications. This product has many analogues containing the same thing active substance- bisacodyl. The most popular among them are:

Dulcolax,
Pirilax,
Bisad,
Laxatin.

The price of Bisacodyl in the pharmacy chain is only 15-20 rubles per pack.

Herbal laxative from the company Evalar, in the form of chewable tablets. This dietary supplement is intended to normalize digestive processes and improve intestinal motility. It has a mild laxative effect and can be used to cleanse the intestines for 2 weeks.

The chewable tablets contain extracts of senna, plantain, dill and apricot powder. In addition, Fitolax has other forms of release - fruit bar, concentrate, herbal tea. Each of these forms has a special composition. Laxatives should be used for chronic constipation and bowel problems associated with impaired intestinal motility. Chewable tablets are recommended for adults and children, in a dosage of 2 to 4 tablets, taken with dinner.

Contraindications to the use of Fitolax are hypersensitivity to the components, pregnancy, lactation, intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis. Side effects may include allergic reactions, flatulence and diarrhea. The price of chewable tablets is from 180 rubles.

Poslabin (Lactulose)

This is a mild osmotic laxative, which is prescribed for constipation and to cleanse the intestines before diagnostic procedures. The action of the tablets is aimed at increasing the volume and diluting the stool, activating intestinal motility. These are the most safe pills against constipation for children and adults.

Children are often prescribed this drug in syrup form. Lactulose has few contraindications - intestinal obstruction and increased sensitivity to the components. The drug is prescribed with caution when diabetes mellitus, since it contains fructose. The dosage of drugs is selected by the doctor individually. The price of Poslabin tablets is from 90 rubles.

This is a popular probiotic designed to restore beneficial microflora in the intestines. Available in the form of capsules and tablets. Contains beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which promote good digestion and normalization of stool.

The drug has virtually no contraindications and does not have any side effects. The only limitation to use is hypersensitivity to the components. The price of Linex varies depending on the number of tablets or capsules in the package and on average ranges from 300 to 480 rubles.

A widely sought after probiotic capsule containing kefir grain and live acidophilus. Eliminates discomfort, activates intestinal motility and allows you to establish regular bowel movements.

It is used when accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, intestinal infections. It has no contraindications or side effects. This remedy can be prescribed to children from 3 months, and used in pregnant and lactating women. The price of the probiotic is from 280 rubles.

This drug enhances peristalsis and promotes regular bowel movements. The active substance - trimebutine - acts throughout the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating the smooth muscles of the intestine during atonic conditions and restoring its physiological activity during various diseases digestive system associated with motor impairment.

The medication is prescribed for dyspeptic disorders and atonic constipation. The standard dosage is 1 tablet three times a day before meals. This drug has few contraindications - these are individual intolerance to the components and childhood(up to 3 years). Price - from 220 rubles.

Constipation tablets for adults

Treating constipation in adults is much more difficult than in children, since chronic diseases accumulate with age, causing disturbance functions of the digestive system, inflammatory processes develop in the intestines. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to weakening of peristalsis and the development of persistent atonic constipation.

Therefore, along with laxatives with an irritating effect, it is necessary to use drugs that activate intestinal motor functions and promote regular bowel movements.

The drugs of choice for adult patients include tablets based on senna extract (Regulax, Senade), probiotics that eliminate the manifestations of dysbiosis and agents intended to regulate intestinal motility.

For children, the safest laxatives are:

Lactulose,
Normaze

When choosing tablets for constipation, you should always take into account the mechanism of action of the drug, the cause, causing constipation, Availability concomitant diseases. If you need quick results, opt for osmotic laxatives or drugs with irritating effects. In other cases, it is better to take mild, safe laxatives with a minimum number of contraindications (probiotics, dietary supplements).

U healthy person The frequency of stool is individual and directly depends on lifestyle, work, age, eating and drinking habits, and habits. There are a wide variety of methods for treating constipation at home, and each person knows his body better than any doctor and chooses the most suitable methods for him.

Each person is individual, one option for dealing with constipation can be very effective for one and completely useless for another, this applies not only to the treatment of constipation, but also for other diseases and symptoms. How to get rid of constipation at home? It is worth approaching this delicate problem from several angles: special gymnastics, massage, therapeutic nutrition, drinking regimen, normalization of intestinal motor function, use of laxatives in emergency cases, treatment with mineral waters, treatment aimed at eliminating concomitant gastrointestinal diseases.

However, if you follow all the recommendations to improve bowel movements for 2-3 months, but constipation continues to bother you - therefore, this indicates that the person may have the following diseases: dysfunction of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder or intestines, which should be determined through a thorough comprehensive examination. See in more detail - It is worth remembering that constipation is a symptom, not a disease, so it is not the manifestations of the disease that should be eliminated, but the disease itself.

Diet for constipation, drinking regimen, physical activity

When treating constipation at home, first try changing your diet; to do this, you should know which foods contribute to stagnation in the intestines, and which, on the contrary, stimulate natural process physiological emptying.
So, foods that should be excluded or significantly limited:

Drinks - cocoa, black coffee, very strong tea, alcohol, jelly
Seasonings - mustard, hot, fatty sauces, mayonnaise, horseradish, pepper
Plant products - garlic, onions, mushrooms, radishes, turnips, radishes
Oils - margarine, cooking fats, animal fats, that is, any confectionery products, baked goods, candies, chocolate, palm and coconut oils.
Fruits, berries - dogwood, blueberries, quince, pomegranate
Protein foods - goose, duck, hard-boiled eggs, fatty meats and fish, rich thick fatty meat and chicken broths, all smoked products, canned food and foods with preservatives.
Cereals and bread products - rice, semolina, butter and puff pastry products, bread made from premium flour.

Foods to eat daily:

Drinks - preferably on an empty stomach, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices - carrot, apricot, tomato, plum, chamomile, dandelion, yarrow, nettle.
Dairy products - mild cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, fresh (1-2 days old) kefir, yogurt, Varenets.
Vegetables, fruits - cabbage, beets, other raw fresh vegetables, greens, sauerkraut, zucchini, kiwi, apricots, figs, melon, plum, rowan jam, fruit compotes, honey, vinaigrettes and salads with boiled vegetables, fruit salads.
Vegetable oils - olive, sunflower
Protein products - seafood, lean fish and meats, chicken, turkey - only baked or boiled.
Cereals - oatmeal, buckwheat, barley porridge, not thick, but semi-viscous.
Soups - with a weak meat broth made from vegetables, borscht, beetroot soup, cabbage soup with fresh cabbage, fruit soups.
Bread - made from wholemeal flour, preferably rye, unsweetened pastries, dry biscuits.

Drinking regime

Everyone knows that a person should drink at least 1.5 liters of fluid per day. For persistent chronic constipation, instead of unnatural, forced bowel movements with enemas, you can eliminate congestion in a natural way - by increasing the amount of fluid you drink daily. However, this method has contraindications, such as cardiac or renal failure, hypertension, etc. If in a person suffering from constipation, excessive water consumption does not lead to severe swelling and other disorders, then you can begin treating constipation with a diet and increasing the amount of water you drink.

Try to drink a little more fluid than usual every day. In this case, you should limit the consumption of salty, fatty, fried foods; you should drink water half an hour before meals or 2 hours after meals, bringing the amount to 2-2.5 liters per day. Within 2 months you will notice how your stool softens and bowel movements become easier. Of course, you should eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible - watermelons, beets, grapes, kiwi, apricots, apples, prunes, cabbage, bananas, ripe pears, oranges.

Separately, I would like to note the option of treating constipation at home with mineral water. This is also very effective, especially if the water is from a source and not bottled - Slavyanovskaya, Smirnovskaya, Essentuki, Batalinskaya, Jermuk. If mineral water from bottles, it is better to drink it without gases, warm, 30-40 minutes before meals.

Exercise, massage

Most residents of cities and megalopolises today lead a mostly sedentary lifestyle, and for the prevention and treatment of constipation, the leading role belongs to human physical activity. Of course, many people do not have enough time to visit gyms, yoga training, going to the pool, cycling, even just walking.

For those who cannot allocate special time for a trip to a fitness club, for women after childbirth, housewives, today there is a unique set of Bodyflex exercises, which can be quickly mastered without an instructor by finding information on the Internet or on sports television channels. These literally a few simple exercises combined with special breathing have an amazing feature - when performing the exercises, an intense massage of the internal organs, including the intestines, occurs, which helps fight constipation.

In this, Bodyflex is related to yoga classes, but yoga is a more complex type of gymnastics and it is problematic to do it without an instructor. A 15-minute workout at home every day leads to amazing results - muscles are tightened, weight and functioning of the whole body are normalized, digestion improves and problems with stool go away.

To get rid of constipation at home, massage is also very effective, which you can do yourself:

Make circular movements, pressing slightly with your palm right hand, along the way colon clockwise for a minute. Then with both palms from the ribs to the pubis, starting from the sides, from top to bottom, also slightly pressing the body, you should get something like a triangle, the top of which is the pubis.
In the evening, to prevent constipation, you can stroke the abdomen from the solar plexus to the pubis, again only from top to bottom.
The well-known bicycle exercise, which is performed while lying on your back, is also useful in combating stagnation in the intestines; in addition to getting rid of constipation, this exercise is also very useful for.

Medicinal treatments

If the above methods of natural regulation of intestinal motility do not help, and the heaviness and bloating of the abdomen are very disturbing, in rare cases you can use various pharmacological drugs, of which there is a sufficient range today. How to understand this diversity, what remedy to get rid of constipation to choose at the pharmacy?

Laxatives for oral administration

There is a wide variety of these products in pharmacy chains; laxatives can be both synthesized and herbal. Based on the nature of their effect on the intestines, these agents are divided into: irritants, fillers, osmotic effects, and prebiotics.

Irritant laxatives

Having a stimulating, irritating effect on the intestinal mucosa and muscles - their use causes pain and spasms in the intestines, and they cannot be used for a long time. Such drugs include:

Bisacodyl (price in pharmacies 30-40 rubles) - analogues of Bisadil, Laxacodil, Dulcolax (220 rubles) Laxbene, Pirilax, Stadalax, Laksatin.
Sodium picosulfate is Guttalax (drops 300 rubles), Guttasil, Laxigal (350 rubles), Slabicap, Slabilen (drops 100 rubles), Regulax Picosulfate (150 rubles).
Sennosides A and B are Senna lozenges, Regulax (drops 150 rubles), Senade (20 rubles), Antrasennin, Herbion Laxana, Senadexin (30 rubles), Tisasen, Senalex, Ex-Lax.
Castor oil (20-30 rubles), phenolphthalein.

Laxatives - prebiotics

Laxatives - prebiotics, are the safest and most preferred drugs, since they promote gentle bowel movements and normalize intestinal microflora; their long-term use is allowed for up to 3 months according to doctor's indications, these include:

Lactulose - analogues of Normaze (200-250 rubles), Portalak syrup, Goodluck (200-250 rubles), (300-400 rubles), Romphalak, Lactusan (120 rubles), Prelax (160-200 rubles), Medulak (350 rubles) .
Lactitol - analogs of Exportal (120-400 rubles), Importal N - powder for making a solution.

Fillers

Filler medications that increase the volume of intestinal contents do not help everyone. People with chronic constipation may not receive positive action, but only cause bloating, these include:

Plantain seed husk - Ispagol (250 rubles), oval plantain seed husk Mukofalk (300 rubles), Solgar Psyllium (1000 rubles)
Flax seed (40-150 rubles)
Wheat bran, Sterculia, Methylcellulose.

Osmotic agents

Osmotic agents - when osmotic pressure increases, the contents of the intestine are easily evacuated. These are saline solutions that are most often used to cleanse the intestines before medical procedures and examinations, these include:

Macrogol is the most popular group of drugs, analogues of Forlax (160-200 rubles), Lavacol (180 rubles), Fortrans (500 rubles), Osmogol, Tranzipeg, Forteza Rompharm, Realaxan.
Carlsbad artificial salt, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate - magnesia, bitters, Epsom salt, epsom salt.

Herbal remedies

Herbal medicines - there is also a wide variety of them, these include laxatives and dietary supplements. They have a fairly strong laxative effect, despite their plant origin. When choosing such funds, you should also take into account that many products may have allergic reaction body. Herbal remedies for constipation include the following:

Phytolax - collection of flax seeds, kelp thallus, cassia and plantain leaves, apricot fruits, MCC, dill fruits.
Buckthorn fruits, Ramnil, Zhostera laxative fruits
Rhubarb palmate roots
Kafiol - leaves and fruits of senna, figs
Plantain shell - Mucofalk, Fiberlex, Naturolax
Laminaria thallus - PhytoTransit, Mamoklam
Proctophytol - senna, coriander, licorice, buckthorn, yarrow.
Laxative fees 1 and 2

It should be remembered that none of the laxatives should be taken during acute inflammatory processes in the abdominal organs, intestines, during exacerbation of hemorrhoids and other diseases and conditions, which is always detailed in the instructions. Do not self-medicate if constipation is accompanied by pain, bleeding, elevated temperature, nausea - these may be symptoms of more serious diseases.

Laxative suppositories for constipation

There are not so many such products on the Russian pharmaceutical market; their advantage is quite fast action, usually after 5-20 minutes emptying occurs. These drugs should also not be used frequently; the use of Bisacodyl suppositories for children and pregnant women is strictly contraindicated.

Less safe suppositories for emergency relief from constipation at home are Evacue (not for children under 12 years old), Glycerol, Microlax (ready-made microenemas), suppositories with glycerin, Glycelax.

Less effective, but the safest are candles with sea buckthorn oil. If a person suffers from constipation due to hemorrhoids or fissures anus, then such effective candles Like Posterisan, Relief can also have a laxative effect, as well as a healing and anti-inflammatory effect.

Is it possible to do an enema and how to administer it correctly?

Enemas, of course, are very effective, they quickly help with constipation, however, there are also a lot of contraindications to their use and you should not often resort to natural ways bowel movements. To do an enema, you need to make a choice, since there are several options:

Hypertensive enema- for its implementation use magnesia or concentrated saline solution, this is considered a microenema, since the volume of liquid does not exceed 50 ml. How to get rid of constipation at home, if there is no magnesia, you can take regular table salt 2 teaspoons and dissolve it in 100 ml. water, use a syringe or bulb to inject 50 ml. solution into the rectum.
An oil enema is the safest; to carry it out, you need to heat 20-50 ml in a water bath to 37C. sunflower, olive, apricot oil. If desired, you can dilute it with water and also make a microenema with a syringe. The effect of this procedure will be only after 8-12 hours.
Cleansing enema- the most popular procedure, which requires an Esmarch mug and 1.5 -2 liters of water at room temperature, the water should not be too cold or too warm. For constipation, it is usually recommended to do only 500 ml. and immediately go to the toilet to empty the rectum of solid feces, and only then introduce the remaining 1.5 liters of water.

For more information about the types of enemas and how, read our article.

Tasty ways to treat constipation

A very effective natural, safe remedy for constipation, which is available and easy at home, is a glass of kefir at night, to which add a tablespoon of sunflower oil. It's simple and enough effective way, and if there is no effect in the morning, you should repeat this method until the result is achieved.
The American recipe is a glass of orange juice on an empty stomach and 15 minutes later a portion of hot oatmeal.
The most delicious fruits that have a laxative effect - apricot, plum, grapes. This can be used even in winter, when they are not available fresh. Pass a mixture of prunes, dried apricots and raisins through a meat grinder and consume 1-2 tablespoons of this mixture on an empty stomach in the morning.
Rowan has been considered an excellent laxative since ancient times and is used in folk medicine This recipe is to cover the berries with sugar and leave for 1 month, then squeeze the fruits, and add 25 ml to half a liter of syrup. alcohol In the morning, drink the syrup on an empty stomach, diluting it with water.

Sometimes minor bowel retention can be successfully dealt with at home using improvised means that do not cause any harm to health. Helpers can be various vegetable oils, herbs and other “laxative” substances: dried fruits and berries, juices, dairy products, honey, cereals, bran.

What affects gastrointestinal function

The stable functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is influenced by many factors: a sedentary lifestyle, nutrition, diseases of internal organs.

If you have a sedentary job, try to exercise regularly and drink more often spoiled milk and other fermented milk products (kumys, ayran, yogurt, fermented baked milk, kefir). The following will help speed up intestinal contractions and prevent constipation:

cool drinks (milk, kvass, natural lemonade, ice cream are especially good);
salty dishes;
molasses, honey, lactose;
rye yeast bread, peas, vegetables with a high concentration of fiber (radish, celery, beets, pumpkin, turnips), fruits with skin, buckwheat;
plums, bananas, currants, avocados, apricots, apples, cherries;
tomatoes, sorrel, cabbage;
White wine.

If you experience constipation, you need to avoid or limit your consumption of foods that reduce peristalsis. You should be very careful with:

red wine;
hot drinks (tea, water, coffee);
rice and barley decoctions, jelly with starch, fresh flour products;
products containing tannin (for example, cocoa);
stringy types of meat (goose, duck, lamb, fatty pork).

Oils for constipation

If you have a question about how to get rid of constipation at home, look for oil. It is an excellent remedy solving problems with bowel movements. The effectiveness of oils lies in the fact that they are able to have a weakening effect by lubricating the intestinal walls and stimulating choleretic processes. The following oils help with intestinal stagnation:

Vaseline. It compares favorably with its analogues thanks to a special substance - liquid paraffin. Due to its environmental friendliness, it can even be used to cure constipation in children. After ingestion, the chemical stability of this oil does not allow it to permeate the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. Paraffin disperses along the walls and activates motor skills. Take 2 hours before or after meals (adults - 2.5 teaspoons, infants - 0.5 teaspoons, children and adolescents - 1-2 teaspoons).

You should drink it no longer than 5 days. Restrictions: infectious diseases of the abdominal cavity, ulcers or intestinal obstruction, pregnancy.

Linen. It has a gentle effect on the intestines thanks to omega-3 acids, vitamins and helps relieve constipation and improve immunity. Neutralizes saturated fats and is a natural lubricant, ensuring the absence of prolonged constipation. You can use it in different ways:

On an empty stomach in the morning, drink a spoonful of oil with cool water. You can eat only after an hour;
before resting at night, take a mixture of oil, honey and natural yogurt. Honey and butter - 1 tbsp. spoon;
Stir a tablespoon of butter in chilled milk (0.5 cups). Drink - at night;
use as a dressing for dishes. The main thing is that the oil should not be heated.

Contraindications: gallbladder dysfunction, pregnancy, breastfeeding, pancreatic disease, taking certain medications or oral contraceptives.

Sea buckthorn. Helps with chronic and persistent constipation. Characterized by antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Just a teaspoon per day for a month will help eliminate constipation.

Contraindications: problems with the pancreas.

Castor. The active substances of the oil act on intestinal receptors and activate the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. You can drink no longer than 3 days at daily dose 30 g for adults and 10 g for children. It has an unpleasant taste, so it can be taken with tea or ginger infusion.

Restrictions: pregnancy, appendicitis, adhesive disease Gastrointestinal tract, hypotension, premenstrual period of women.

Pumpkin. It has no special contraindications and is even recommended for pregnant women. Drink on an empty stomach (half an hour before meals) for 10 days.

Olive. If you need to quickly get rid of stagnation, it is recommended to do cleansing enemas. Ingredients: mix 6 teaspoons of oil with egg yolk and add warm water. The enema should be done at night and left until the morning. The effect will be noticeable in the morning. For prevention, you can add oil to many dishes.

Contraindications: complications in gallbladder, individual intolerance.

Sunflower. Unrefined types are more effective. The oil should be drunk on an empty stomach (1 tablespoon) and only after an hour should you eat. For prevention - use as a dressing.

Should not be used by obese people.

Recipes from the people

For constipation, it is not necessary to take laxatives. You can replace them with folk remedies. Here are some tips on how to get rid of constipation at home:

At night, 2 hours after dinner, you need to do an enema. The next morning, drink a glass of cool, salted water on an empty stomach. You can have breakfast only after an hour. If you do these procedures for 3 days, the gastrointestinal tract will begin to work independently.
Boil well-washed plantain (to be picked in May) for 10 minutes in 2 glasses of water. The dishes should not be enameled. Drink the decoction throughout the day. Course - 30 days. This is an excellent way to prevent constipation. Repeat the next course in a year.
On an empty stomach, eat 1-2 persimmons (can be dried or fresh). If you take it for 2 months, you can get rid of chronic constipation.
Prepare onion tincture: fill 2/3 with chopped onions and fill with alcohol. Leave for 10 days. In the middle of the day, drink 10 drops of tincture.
To quickly get rid of constipation, before going to bed, you can drink a glass of warm rosehip decoction or eat 2 oranges.
In the morning, before breakfast, drink 2 glasses of salted water (1 teaspoon per glass). It also helps to eat 2 apples with the peel.
Brew 2 teaspoons of bran in 2 glasses of water. After they swell, eat the pulp.

With these folk remedies, without harm to the body, you can quickly normalize intestinal function and forget about constipation for a long time.

Urgent recipes

If you periodically suffer from constipation, you can prepare a special one in advance. herbal tea. The following tips will help you treat constipation at home:

Eat prunes. It is able to make the intestines work. To normalize the process, you need to eat 3-5 berries. To avoid constipation in the future, it is enough to eat 2 prunes a day.
Juice will help you get rid of constipation quickly sauerkraut(200 ml). If the symptoms do not go away, you need to drink cabbage juice every 4-5 hours.
Potato juice also helps a lot. You should drink 100 ml 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals for 2 weeks. Can be replaced with beet or radish juice.
Grapes produce a strong effect. You need to eat it every day. You can drink the juice on an empty stomach in the morning, a glass at lunchtime and in the evening.
Before resting at night, drink 180 ml of kefir. To enhance the effect, you can add 10 g of any vegetable oil. Drink in small sips.
Add a spoonful of honey to a glass of clean cool water. Take in small sips in the morning on an empty stomach.

Whatever means you use, rest assured that they are all completely safe. But only if your body is completely healthy. Otherwise, seek help from your doctors.