15 Ways to Make Yourself Poop When You Need Fast Relief, According to Doctors

From upping your fluid intake to loading up on fiber, try these home remedies to help ease constipation quickly.

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How to make yourself poop fast

How long can it take to see results, what is constipation, what causes constipation, constipation prevention, when to see your doctor about constipation.

If you’re experiencing constipation, you’re likely wondering how to make yourself poop—fast. The inability to relieve yourself, often coupled with stomach pain , gas, and bloating , is one of the most uncomfortable common health concerns. And while most of us would rather not talk about our pooping habits , constipation is an issue that can be addressed and treated in several ways.

It’s important to remember that there is no standard frequency for healthy bowel movements . Some people poop every day, while others go every couple of days. Both are normal and as long as you feel good, it’s not much to worry about.

However, you’re probably well aware of how often you typically have a bowel movement, so when you’re suddenly struggling to go, it can feel like a big deal. So it’s understandable to wonder how to make yourself poop immediately.

Ashkan Farhadi, M.D. , a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center and director of MemorialCare Medical Group’s Digestive Disease Center in Fountain Valley, CA, recommends trying the lifestyle tweaks listed below to get relief. You’ll want to do them sooner rather than later since constipation can get harder to treat the longer it goes on.

Meet the experts: Ashkan Farhadi, M.D. , a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center; Rudolph Bedford, M.D. , a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Ellen Stein, M.D. a gastroenterologist; Karen WeiRu Lin, M.D. , assistant dean for global health and a professor of family medicine and community health at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey

Here’s what could be behind your blockage—and how to make yourself poop again.

How to make yourself poop naturally

The following home remedies can help get things moving again, according to doctors.

1. Up your fluid intake.

“Water is really important for relieving constipation,” says Rudolph Bedford, M.D. , a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. If you’re just not a “water person,” try to get enough through other liquids, like brothy soups or water-rich produce like watermelon, says Karen WeiRu Lin, M.D. , assistant dean for global health and a professor of family medicine and community health at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in NJ. But pass on sugary drinks, as they could make the problem worse.

The actual amount of liquids you need varies from person to person but the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that women have at least 11.5 cups of fluids (including fluids from water, other liquids, and food) a day, and that men strive for 15.5 cups.

2. Eat more fiber-rich foods.

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that slows digestion by adding bulk to your diet, which helps you feel fuller faster—and it helps get things to progress down there. “It keeps stools soft and moving through,” Dr. Bedford confirms.

Pro-tip, per Dr. Lin: Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water with your fiber for maximum benefits. Good sources of fiber you can get from foods include whole grains, nuts and seeds, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Some good sources of fiber include:

  • Raspberries

3. Consider a fiber supplement.

If you need a strong hit of fiber ASAP, Dr. Lin suggests taking a fiber supplement. Ideally, go for one that’s dissolved into water, like psyllium (a.k.a. Metamucil ). The water part is essential, Dr. Bedford says: Dietary fiber absorbs water, making your poop bulkier and therefore easier to move along.

4. Enjoy a cup of coffee.

The caffeine in coffee “increases the contractions of muscles within your gut to push things through,” Dr. Bedford says. It also contains liquid, which can be beneficial. Too much coffee can dehydrate you, though, so Dr. Bedford recommends drinking water along with your coffee for maximum effect. Not a coffee drinker? Strong tea can have a similar effect.

5. Get moving.

Exercise is important for overall health, but it can also stimulate blood in the muscles in your gut, causing them to contract more and push poop along, Dr. Bedford says. “Movement and exercise is always great for combatting constipation,” he says. If you’ve been on the sedentary side lately, try going for a fast walk or do a full-on workout if you’re able.

6. Have some healthy fats.

Foods that contain healthy, unsaturated fats like avocado, nut butter, olives, and oily fish can help speed things up in your GI tract. “These fats lubricate the lining of the gut, allowing stool to move through a lot easier,” Dr. Bedford says. One cup of avocado also contains 10 g of dietary fiber, making it a good option to try.

7. Sip on warm water.

Water in general is crucial for relieving constipation, but warm water can also be a good tactic. It “stimulates the inner lining of the gut,” Dr. Lin says. That can cause contractions down there to push your stool along.

8. Load up on probiotics.

Probiotics (the good bugs in your gut) are live microorganisms that play a key role in how your body digests food . Just know this: They won’t work immediately. “It is not like Tylenol for fever—it does not work in 20 minutes,” Dr. Lin says. “It takes time for good bacteria to digest food piece by piece, and might take more than a day.” Still, Dr. Bedford says, “It’s going to change the bacterial imbalance within your gut. That may also allow for things to move through your system a lot easier.” Consider loading up on probiotic-rich fermented foods , like Greek yogurt or fresh sauerkraut, or pop a quality probiotic supplement to support your overall gut health.

9. Try using heat therapy.

Dr. Lin has two recommendations when it comes to heat therapy. First, try drinking a cup of warm water, wait 30 minutes, and then gently massage your lower abdomen to try to stimulate the area. If that doesn’t seem to help, take a hot shower, with the water concentrated on your lower back.

10. Try a perineum massage

The perineum is the area between the anus and the vagina or scrotum, and a study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that pressure points in that area respond well to massage, leading to constipation relief.

11. Supplement with magnesium.

Taking magnesium supplements has many potential benefits, based on the type you choose. Magnesium citrate “is one of the most bioavailable forms of magnesium,” Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P , owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios previously told Prevention . “It also has a natural laxative effect and is often used in medications to treat constipation.” Just be sure to check with your doctor (and cross-reference with any medications you may already be taking) before trying it out for yourself.

1. Consider a stool softener.

Stool softeners can come in capsule, tablet, liquid, or syrup form, and they work by softening your poop to make it easier to pass through. While they can do the trick, Dr. Bedford recommends taking more natural approaches first, as some softeners can cause uncomfortable side effects. “The preference before taking a stool softener is drinking liquids and taking in more fibers,” he says. If you do end up trying this method, keep in mind that it only takes one to three days of use for the softener to kick in. Do not take them for longer than a week unless you get the OK from a doctor, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Psyllium Powder Fiber Supplement

Metamucil Psyllium Powder Fiber Supplement

24/7 Digestive Support Probiotic Supplement

Align 24/7 Digestive Support Probiotic Supplement

Laxative Powder for Constipation Relief

MiraLAX Laxative Powder for Constipation Relief

Soft Chews Saline Laxative, Mixed Berry

Dulcolax Soft Chews Saline Laxative, Mixed Berry

2. Try a laxative.

An osmotic (better known as a laxative) is a type of medication that draws water into your bowel to unblock you. Polyethylene glycol ( MiraLAX ) and bisacodyl ( Dulcolax ) are popular options. Again, while taking an osmotic can help get things moving, Dr. Bedford recommends focusing on your water and fiber intake before trying this treatment.

3. Use a suppository.

Like laxatives, suppositories are a “last resort” for promoting a bowel movement, Dr. Farhadi says. These rounded objects, often filled with medication, are made to be placed into the anal canal and rectal area, explains gastroenterologist Ellen Stein, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Stein adds that the rectal area has an “extensive blood supply,” helping the body absorb the medication in an anal suppository very quickly. You can expect to get relief in as soon as 15 to 20 minutes, she says.

Try choosing a glycerin suppository, as Dr. Stein notes, as these are smaller and easier to insert, making them a “relatively gentle” option compared to stimulant suppositories which contain medication that produces “more vigorous” results.

4. Consider an enema.

An enema, in case you’re not familiar, is an injection of fluid into your rectum to try to clean the area to stimulate pooping—and there are a lot of different types. “Enemas of tap water generally are well tolerated and can be used intermittently by patients with severe symptoms of constipation that don’t respond to other lifestyle changes, dietary changes, or medications,” Dr. Stein says. Mineral oil enemas can also be helpful, she says.

But Dr. Stein cautions against using enemas of coffee, noting that they’re “dangerous.” And, like suppositories, enemas shouldn’t be considered your first step if you’re struggling to poop. “Repetitive placement of the enema catheters can sometimes lead to ulceration or erosions in the rectal wall if they are not gently and properly performed,” Dr. Stein says. “Shooting the enema contents at only one wall of the rectum can similarly cause irritation or damage of the wall of the rectum.”

It depends. Things like dietary changes, drinking coffee, and having warm water can take a day or so to kick in. However, using a laxative “should work in a few hours,” Dr. Farhadi says. Similarly, an enema or suppository should give you results within minutes, per Dr. Stein.

There can be plenty of reasons why you can’t poop, ranging from not having enough fiber or water in your diet to taking a new medication, says Dr. Lin

You venture into constipation territory when you have less than three bowel movements a week, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Issues like having poops that are hard, dry, or lumpy, BMs that are hard or painful to pass, or a feeling that you didn’t get everything out despite going to the bathroom also classify as constipation, the NIDDK says.

While chronic constipation can be a sign of an underlying health condition, like irritable bowel syndrome, that’s probably not what’s going on if you only struggle to poop occasionally.

There’s a laundry list of potential reasons why you might get constipated, and it’s possible to have trouble pooping for more than a few reasons. “Bowel movements are a dynamic process,” says Dr. Farhadi. “They depend on a lot of factors, including your level of activity, diet, stress, emotional factors, use of medication—you name it. Everything that can affect the body can affect your bowel movements.”

The NIDDK lists the following as possible constipation causes:

  • Pelvic floor disorders
  • Gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Certain medicines and dietary supplements, including antacids, calcium, diuretics, iron, and narcotics
  • Lifestyle changes like pregnancy, older age, travel, and dietary changes
  • Not eating enough fiber
  • Dehydration
  • Not exercising enough
  • Having Celiac disease
  • Disorders or injuries of the brain and spine
  • Conditions that impact your metabolism, like types of diabetes
  • Hormonal conditions, like hypothyroidism
  • Intestinal obstructions
  • Anatomic problems with your digestive tract

How often should you poop?

Again, everyone has their range of normal and the odds are high that you have some idea of what’s standard—and not—for you. “People have a wide range of frequency,” Dr. Farhadi says. “‘Normal’ could be anywhere from three times a day to three times a week.”

Once you’ve dealt with constipation, it’s understandable to want to do what you can to lower the risk you’ll experience it again. Dr. Stein says taking the following steps may help:

  • Move more. “Movement is key to reduce constipation—the walking, exercising, stretching, and climbing that we do helps the guts to move along the way they were meant to,” she says.
  • Eat a healthy diet . That, she says, means focusing on foods with fiber, along with fruit and vegetables. Additionally, adding more grains, starches, and lipid-rich foods has been found to decrease constipation.
  • Drink lots of water . Dr. Stein says that “plenty of hydration” will help lower the risk of constipation. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men aim to take in about 15.5 cups of fluids a day, and that women strive for about 11.5 cups of fluids a day.
  • Avoid junk food. Junk food can lead to harder poop, Dr. Stein says. For example, eating foods high in sugar and/or sodium has been linked to constipation
  • Monitor your medications. “Medications can contribute quite a bit to constipation development,” Dr. Stein says, noting that opiates in particular are “prone to exacerbating constipation.” Her advice: “If you are getting started on a new medication and notice a change in stools, let your prescribing provider know and ask if there are things that you can do to adjust your dose or regimen to keep things going at the proper pace.”

If you’ve tried these home remedies to make yourself poop and you’re still struggling, or if you find that you’re regularly constipated, Dr. Bedford says it’s time to check in with your primary care physician. They can evaluate to see what might be behind your inability to poop—and give you guidance on how to solve the problem.

The NIDDK says that you’ll want to seek help ASAP, though, if you experience constipation along with these issues:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Blood in your poop
  • Constant abdominal pain
  • Trouble passing gas
  • Lower back pain
  • You’re losing weight without trying

“If you’re getting to the point where you have to have a laxative or use extra measures in order to have a bowel movement, and you can’t pinpoint an obvious reason, that needs to be investigated,” Dr. Farhadi says.

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing and be sure to consult your doctor before taking new supplements (or providing them to a family member) in any situation, as they can interfere with medication.

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  • Constipation

Constipation is a problem with passing stool. Constipation generally means passing fewer than three stools a week or having a difficult time passing stool.

Constipation is fairly common. A lack of dietary fiber, fluids and exercise can cause constipation. But other medical conditions or certain medicines may be the cause.

Constipation is usually treated with changes in diet and exercise or with nonprescription medicines. Constipation may require medicines, changes in medicines or other treatments prescribed by a health care professional.

Long-term constipation, also called chronic constipation, may require treating another disease or condition that can cause or worsen constipation.

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Symptoms of constipation include:

  • Fewer than three stools a week.
  • Hard, dry or lumpy stools.
  • Straining or pain when passing stools.
  • A feeling that not all stool has passed.
  • A feeling that the rectum is blocked.
  • The need to use a finger to pass stool.

Chronic constipation is having two or more of these symptoms for three months or longer.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your health care professional if you have constipation with any of the following conditions:

  • Symptoms that last longer than three weeks.
  • Symptoms that make it difficult to do everyday activities.
  • Bleeding from your rectum or blood on toilet tissue.
  • Blood in your stools or black stools.
  • Other unusual changes in the shape or color of stools.
  • Stomach pain that doesn't stop.
  • Weight loss without trying.

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Patterns of bowel movements vary from one person to another. The typical range is three times a day to three times a week. So it's important to know what is typical for you.

In general, constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the large intestine, also called the colon. If the stool moves slowly, the body absorbs too much water from the stool. The stool can become hard, dry and difficult to pass.

Lifestyle causes

Slow stool movement may happen when a person does not:

  • Drink enough fluids.
  • Eat enough dietary fiber.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Use the toilet when there's an urge to pass stool.

Constipation may be a side effect of some medicines, particularly opioid pain relievers. Other medicines that may cause constipation include some that treat the following conditions:

  • High blood pressure.
  • Depression.
  • Disorders of the nervous system.

Problems with pelvic floor muscles

The muscles that hold up organs at the bottom of the torso are called the pelvic floor muscles. The ability both to relax these muscles and to bear down are necessary to pass stool from the rectum. Problems with weakness or coordination of these muscles can cause chronic constipation.

Blockages in the colon or rectum

Damage or changes to tissues in the colon or rectum can block the passage of stool. Also, tumors in the colon, rectum or nearby tissues can cause a blockage.

Other factors

A number of conditions can affect the work of muscles, nerves or hormones involved in passing stool. Chronic constipation may be linked to any number of things, including:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Multiple sclerosis.
  • Nerve dysfunction or damage.
  • Overactive thyroid, also called hyperthyroidism.
  • Parkinson's disease.

Sometimes, the cause of chronic constipation can't be found.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of chronic constipation include:

  • Being an older adult
  • Being a woman
  • Getting little or no physical activity
  • Having a mental health condition such as depression or an eating disorder

Complications

Complications of chronic constipation include:

  • Swollen tissues around the anus, also called hemorrhoids.
  • Torn tissues of the anus, also called anal fissures.
  • Hard stools backed up into the colon, also called fecal impaction.
  • Exposed tissues of the rectum that have slipped out of the anal opening, also called rectal prolapse.

The following tips can help you avoid developing constipation.

  • Eat lots of high-fiber foods, including vegetables, fruits, beans and whole-grain foods.
  • Eat fewer foods with low amounts of fiber such as processed foods, dairy and meats.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Stay active and exercise regularly.
  • Don't ignore the urge to pass stool.
  • Create a regular schedule for passing stool, especially after a meal.

Constipation care at Mayo Clinic

  • Constipation and defecation problems. American College of Gastroenterology. https://gi.org/topics/constipation-and-defection-problems/. Accessed May 30, 2023.
  • Constipation. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/all-content. Accessed May 30, 2023.
  • Constipation. American Gastroenterological Association. https://patient.gastro.org/constipation/. Accessed May 30, 2023.
  • AskMayoExpert. Constipation (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2023.
  • Wald A. Etiology and evaluation of chronic constipation in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 30, 2023.
  • 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Accessed June 7, 2023.
  • Wald A. Management of chronic constipation in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 30, 2023.
  • Friedman S, et al., eds. Chronic constipation & fecal incontinence. In: Greenberger's Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Gastroenterology, Hepatology, & Endoscopy. 4th ed. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed May 30, 2023.
  • Ma W, et al. The gut microbiome and colonic motility disorders: A practical framework for the gastroenterologist. Current Gastroenterology Reports. 2022; doi:10.1007/s11894-022-00847-4.

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How to Cure Constipation: Natural & Over-the-Counter Remedies

Last Updated: November 8, 2022 References

Dietary Changes

Lifestyle changes, taking laxatives, expert q&a.

This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS . Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 111,146 times.

Almost everyone has constipation occasionally, either as hard stool or a day or more without a bowel movement. If you’ve experienced this, you know that it can be uncomfortable and you’re probably looking for a simple solution. Thankfully, there are a ton of easy diet and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your fight against constipation, plus numerous laxatives and other medical treatments to help stubborn cases. In this article, we’ll walk you through both methods of fighting constipation so you can go about your day worry-free. Your constipation woes end today!

Step 1 Drink lots of water.

  • Once you're back to normal bowel movements — at least once a day, passing them comfortably — you can stop measuring your water intake. Just drink enough fluids that your urine is colorless or pale yellow, and drink throughout the day as you get thirsty. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source

Step 2 Increase fiber intake, gradually.

  • Bread and grains: 100% bran cereal (9g per ⅓ cup/80 mL), shredded wheat (3.5g per ½ cup/120 mL), oat bran muffin (3g)
  • Beans: 6–10g per ½ cup/120mL cooked, depending on type
  • Fruits: pears (5.5g with skin), raspberries (4g per ½ cup/120 mL), or prunes (3.8g per ½ cup/120 mL stewed)
  • Vegetables: potatoes or sweet potatoes (3–4g, baked in skin), green peas (4g per ½ cup/120 mL cooked), or green vegetables (3g per ½ cup/120 mL cooked).

Step 3 Eat fewer low-fiber foods.

  • Most lactose intolerant people can still enjoy plain probiotic yogurt and hard cheeses.

Step 5 Be aware of foods that may cause constipation.

  • High-fat meats
  • Rich, sugary desserts
  • Processed foods (typically low in fiber)

Step 6 Consider magnesium supplements.

  • Bran contains both magnesium and fiber, making it an excellent choice of food.
  • Magnesium may be dangerous for people with kidney disorders.

Step 7 Be cautious with home remedies.

  • The most common home remedies are mineral oil and castor oil. These are effective, but should only be used as a last resort. Overuse can cause vitamin deficiency or damage your intestine, causing further constipation down the road. Do not take these if you are on blood thinners, antibiotics, heart medication, or bone medication. [8] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor.org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source

Step 1 See to your bathroom needs promptly.

  • Try visiting the toilet 15–45 minutes after breakfast each day. [10] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You may not pass a bowel movement daily (even when healthy), but this is a good time to encourage it.

Step 3 Test a different toilet position.

  • Lean forward with your hands on your thighs.
  • Put your feet on a step stool to bring your knees above your hips.
  • Instead of straining, take a deep breath with your mouth open. Let your stomach expand, then tighten muscles slightly to hold it in place. Relax your sphincter.
  • Repeat this breathing exercise no more than three times. If there's still no bowel movement, get off the toilet or pick up some reading material.

Step 4 Exercise regularly.

  • Wait one hour following a big meal before strenuous exercise (enough to increase your heart rate), or you could slow your digestion. [13] X Research source

Step 5 Try stretching or yoga

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Children 6 years old or younger
  • Adults over the age of 65
  • Anyone taking other medication. (If you are already taking a laxative or mineral oil, wait for at least 24 hours before switching to a different laxative.)
  • Anyone with severe stomach pain, abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting should avoid laxatives entirely, and visit a doctor immediately.

Step 2 Start with a bulk-forming laxative.

  • Some people are allergic to psyllium, found in some bulk-forming laxatives. [17] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor.org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
  • Many people moisten the suppository with tap water before inserting it.
  • These suppositories are only intended for short-term relief. If you are still constipated after 3 days of use, see your doctor.

Step 4 Use lubricant laxatives for quick relief.

  • If you are taking any other medication, talk to a doctor before taking lubricant laxative. The hastened passage of stool can decrease the amount of medication that is absorbed.

Step 5 Try osmotic agents for general relief.

  • The elderly, people with diabetes, and people with heart or kidney issues should be monitored regularly for electrolyte imbalance and dehydration while taking this drug.
  • Saline laxatives are one type of osmotic laxative.

Step 6 Use stool softeners for short-term issues.

  • Check the label for phenolphthalein, which has been linked to cancer.
  • This type of drug can also cause cramping and diarrhea.

Step 8 Visit a doctor for prescription medicines.

  • A prescription laxative, such as lubiprostone or linaclotide. These may be suitable for longterm use.
  • Enemas can deliver laxatives directly to the location of the problem, or flush out compacted stool. While available over the counter or as home remedies, they are best used sparingly and while following medical advice.
  • If your doctor suspects a more serious problem, they may ask for a blood test, stool sample, X-rays, bowel examination, enema test, or colonoscopy. They may also suggest manual disimpaction for particularly difficult situations. [24] X Research source

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Video . By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

  • Take all other medications two hours before the laxative, since the laxative can reduce their absorption. [25] X Research source Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

how to solve a constipation problem

  • Seek medical help if any changes in your bodily functions occur without obvious explanation or are causing serious problems. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
  • People with phenylketonuria should avoid laxatives that contain phenylalanine. [26] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor.org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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  • ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003125.htm
  • ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256?pg=2
  • ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/treatment
  • ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/eating-diet-nutrition
  • ↑ http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance/Pages/facts.aspx
  • ↑ www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/concerned-about-constipation
  • ↑ http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0715/p157.html
  • ↑ http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/drugs-procedures-devices/over-the-counter/laxatives-otc-products-for-constipation.printerview.all.html
  • ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Constipation/Pages/Treatment.aspx
  • ↑ http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1024180319005
  • ↑ http://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/resources/toilet-positions/
  • ↑ http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/exercise-curing-constipation-via-movement
  • ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000120.htm
  • ↑ http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/constipation.printerview.all.html
  • ↑ https://patient.info/medicine/glycerol-suppositories-for-constipation
  • ↑ http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/laxatives-for-constipation-using-them-safely
  • ↑ http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/laxatives-for-constipation-using-them-safely?page=2
  • ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laxatives/

About This Article

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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To cure constipation, start with dietary changes, like drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day and gradually increasing your fiber intake by eating more beans, fruits, and vegetables. You’ll also want to avoid certain foods, such as milk and high-fat meals. In addition to your diet, you can also work on lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly, visiting the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to go, and trying to relax while in the bathroom. For more tips from our Nurse Practitioner reviewer, including how to take laxatives for constipation, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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15 Ways to Treat Long-Term and Chronic Constipation

A cup of water and a bottle of pills

Constipation quiz

Take a quiz to find out what's causing your constipation.

First steps to consider

  • Can often be treated at home, by drinking more water and taking fiber supplements.
  • You may need to take OTC laxatives, like stool softeners and bowel stimulants

When you may need a provider

  • You have frequent constipation.
  • Your constipation gets worse.
  • You are having pain or have a history of severe constipation, underlying GI issues (inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer), or are taking opiate medications.

Emergency Care

Call 911 or go to the ER if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • You have not had a bowel movement for several days and you have pain in your abdomen or vomiting every time you eat or drink.
  • Black tarry stool
  • Rectal bleeding

Chronic constipation affects almost 15% of all adults and 30% of those over age 60. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for long-term constipation.

Take constipation quiz

What defines chronic constipation

Constipation can be defined in many ways, as bowel movement frequency can vary among healthy individuals — from three movements a day to three a week. However, constipation should be considered when more than three days pass between bowel movements. It’s one of the most frequent gastrointestinal problems in the United States, with over 2 million physician visits each year.

When constipation continues for more than a few months, it’s known as long-term or chronic constipation. Chronic constipation affects almost 15% of all adults and 30% of those over age 60. It’s characterized by difficult, infrequent, or incomplete bowel movements. Chronic constipation is defined as having two of the six following symptoms for more than three months: straining, hard stools, less than three bowel movements per week, use of manual maneuvers to help evacuate stool, sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation, or sensation of anorectal blockage. Complications due to excessive straining, such as hemorrhoids, anal tears or fissures, impacted stools and rectal prolapse, can result from constant constipation. Chronic constipation can significantly decrease quality of life, as sufferers can experience abdominal and rectal discomfort and feel sluggish or bloated, causing interference with their daily lives. A small minority of patients with chronic constipation have disorders of the gut nervous system resulting in slow transit constipation.

Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatment options for long-term constipation. Here are some of the possible actions to take, ranging from lifestyle modifications to prescribed medications, if you do have chronic constipation.

Increase water intake

Drinking more water — at least eight 8-ounce glasses (8 x 8 rule) a day — can help move material through your digestive system and help keep stool soft.

Avoid caffeine

Caffeine can be dehydrating; too much caffeine, coupled with not enough water, can slow the movement of material through your digestive system.

Increase fiber intake

Foods that are high in fiber —like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and bran — help improve gastrointestinal function. Low-fiber foods — like processed foods and dairy and meat products have the opposite effect. A daily diet that contains 20 to 30 grams of fiber aids in the formation of softer stool. If you find that adding more fiber to your diet causes bloating or gas, try adding it gradually.

Get more exercise

A sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity can contribute to the development of constipation. Exercising regularly stimulates intestinal activity and decreases the risk of constipation.

Get up and go

Don’t ignore the urge to pass stool. Get up and go. Putting it off can lead to a backup of stool that may harden and become impacted. It’s also wise to try to create and maintain a regular schedule for bowel movements, particularly after a meal.

Nutrition and dietary supplements

Consuming additional fiber through the use of supplements (along with adequate water) can have a positive effect on long-term constipation. It’s best, however, to check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your daily diet. Psyllium, a soluble fiber that comes from the shrub-like herb Plantago ovata, can help relieve constipation. The reaction between the psyllium husk and water forms a gelatin-like mass that helps move stool through the intestines. Another soluble fiber, glucomannan, is derived from the root of Amorphophallus konjac. Some studies have shown that it, too, can be helpful with resolving chronic constipation. Although probiotics help to keep the intestines healthy and in good working order, studies using them to treat constipation have yielded mixed results. Some of the most common types of probiotics include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, and Saccharomyces boulardii.

Check your medications

Several medications can cause chronic constipation. Antacids that contain aluminum or calcium, anticonvulsants, antispasmodics, anticholinergics, antiparkinson drugs, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, iron supplements, and pain medications (particularly narcotics / opioids) can be at fault. Check with you doctor to see if your medications can be changed or eliminated.

Ready to treat your constipation?

Biofeedback.

When chronic constipation is caused by anorectal dysfunction, biofeedback can sometimes be helpful. It works by retraining the pelvic muscles that control the release of bowel movements. Learning how to relax and tighten these muscles can ease the evacuation of stool. Biofeedback has also been effective for some individuals with slow transit constipation.

Check with your doctor before adding herbs to your diet to treat long-term constipation as they can unwanted side effects as well as interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. Herbs used to treat constipation are either bulk-forming or stimulant laxatives. Flaxseed, Linum usitatissimum, which is a bulk-forming laxative, contains soluble fiber and can be mixed with water. Herbs that are stimulant laxatives can cause pain, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances and are only for short-term use.

Stool softeners

Stool softeners work by increasing the water content of stool, thus helping ease its way through the intestines. Check with your doctor before embarking on a stool softener course to treat constant constipation.

Over-the-counter laxatives

There are different types of laxatives that are available without a prescription. However, all should be used under a doctor’s supervision because of the possible side effects and drug interactions. Bulk laxatives, also known as fiber supplements, must be taken with water. They work by helping retain water in the intestines, which helps form softer and bulkier stool that is easier to evacuate. Stimulant laxatives cause regular contractions in the intestinal muscles, which help move stool along. Osmotics cause fluids to move through the intestines in such a way as to cause distention or swelling. They may be useful for people with idiopathic constipation (constipation without any known cause). Lubricants, such as mineral oil or glycerin suppositories, can help stimulate bowel movements, making it easier to evacuate stool.

Prescription medications

For some people, prescription medications are the only solution to chronic constipation. Two of them, lubiprostone and linaclotide, attract water into the intestines, which softens and speeds up the movement of stool. Consultation with your doctor will yield the best choice to treat your chronic constipation.

Underlying medical disorders

Sometimes underlying health problems can cause long-term constipation by slowing the passage of stool through your intestines, rectum, or anus. These include spinal cord or brain injuries or disorders (such as Parkinson’s disease), diabetes, or thyroid disorders. Treating the underlying medical disorder — like prescribed thyroid hormone replacement therapy for an underactive thyroid — can help resolve the chronic constipation.

Fecal microbiota transplantation

Also known as fecal bacteriotherapy or fecal infusion, this process refers to the transplantation of functional bacteria from the stool of a healthy donor to the gastrointestinal tract of the recipient suffering from chronic constipation. Studies to date on FMT are few in number though patients with slow transit constipation may benefit.

If all nonsurgical options have failed to control your chronic constipation and the cause is a blockage, fissure, stricture or rare cases of slow transit constipation, surgery may be an option to correct the underlying problem by removing part of the intestines. Your doctor can refer you to the proper surgeon who specializes in these procedures.

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Understanding Chronic Constipation

When to seek medical attention, frequently asked questions.

The digestive system helps break down the foods we eat so our bodies can absorb the proper nutrients. During digestion, the unnecessary particles of these foods are turned into waste that becomes stool, which is excreted from the body during a bowel movement.

When the digestive system isn’t working as it should, a person can become constipated. Constipation occurs when the body does not pass stool regularly. It and can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and difficult bowel movements. Everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, especially as a result of dietary changes or eating certain foods. However, chronic constipation can have other causes and may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

This article will explore chronic constipation, including common causes, treatment options, and when to visit a healthcare professional.

Westend61 / Getty Images

What Is Chronic Constipation?

Chronic constipation is defined as bouts of constipation that occur for three months or more. Certain criteria need to be met to diagnose chronic constipation, such as:

  • A reduced frequency in healthy bowel movements
  • How easily the stool is passed and if a person must strain during bowel movements

What Does Constipation Feel Like?

A person who is constipated experiences hard, dry stool during bowel movements that only occur three or fewer times per week. Constipation may be accompanied by pain in the abdomen and stool that is difficult to pass, which causes a person to strain while trying to have a bowel movement.

Causes of Constipation

Various factors such as diet, exercise, medication use, and certain health conditions may cause chronic constipation.

Lifestyle Factors

A lack of exercise or eating the wrong foods can disrupt how your digestive process works. Specific factors are more commonly associated with chronic constipation, such as:

  • Diet: Eating large amounts of meat, sugary foods, and processed foods can slow down the digestive tract. Lack of sufficient water, fluids, and fiber can also contribute.
  • Exercise: Exercise is good for many areas of your health, and not getting enough of it can also cause a person to become constipated. Studies show that a lack of regular physical activity and engaging in sedentary activities can lead to slower-moving digestion.

Can Holding Your Bowels Cause Constipation?

Holding in your bowels now and again isn’t likely to cause any issues, however, if you do it on a regular basis, it can lead to chronic constipation.

Structural Issues

Constipation can also be caused by structural issues in the gastrointestinal tract, such as:

  • Anal fissures: Small tears in the tissue that lines the anus
  • Thrombosed hemorrhoids : Painful lumps that develop when blood pools in an external hemorrhoid, which is an inflamed and swollen blood vessel in the lower rectum or around the anus
  • Colonic strictures : A narrowing of part of the colon
  • Obstructing tumors: A tumor that develops somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, making it hard for stool to pass through properly
  • Rectocele : Tissue between the vagina and rectum that weakens, causing the rectum to sag into the vagina or push into the coccyx region
  • Anorectal blockage: A blockage in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic floor dysfunction affecting the pelvic floor muscles (a group of muscles located at the base of the pelvis) that, when not able to properly relax, make bowel movements difficult
  • Dyssynergic defecation : A condition that occurs when the pelvic floor muscles cannot properly coordinate with muscles and nerves around them, causing a person to have irregular or abnormal bowel movements

Medication Usage

There are several medications that can cause a person to experience chronic constipation, such as:

  • Pain-relieving opiates and opioids such as morphine, codeine, and tramadol
  • Antispasmodics used to treat muscle spasms
  • Antiparkinsonian medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease
  • Drugs designed to stop epileptic seizures from occurring
  • Tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotics used to treat mental health disorders
  • Food supplements such as iron or calcium
  • Antacids used to treat heartburn
  • Diuretics , which are used to reduce the amount of salt and water in the body
  • Medications that are used to treat diarrhea
  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Birth control pills
  • Antihistamines used to treat allergies

Medication Use and Constipation

Do not stop taking a medication to avoid constipation. If you experience constipation, speak to your healthcare provider about possible treatment options.

Bowel Diseases

Bowel diseases can cause a person to develop chronic constipation. Some common bowel diseases include:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS, common disorder of the large instestine)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Hirschsprung's disease (condition affecting the large intestine)
  • Diverticulitis (infection or inflammation of small, bulging pouches that can form on the lining of the digestive tract)

Mental Health Issues

In some cases, chronic constipation can be caused by mental health disorders. Some conditions that can cause constipation include:

  • Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
  • Bipolar disorder and other mood disorders
  • Personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder

Underlying Conditions

Chronic constipation can also arise because of other underlying health disorders such as:

  • Neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis , stroke , spinal cord injury, paraplegia, spina bifida , and autonomic neuropathy (nerve damage)
  • Endocrine and metabolic conditions, such as diabetes , hypercalcemia , porphyria , hypothyroidism , hyperthyroidism , and pregnancy
  • Myopathic disorders such as amyloidosis and scleroderma

Underlying Conditions and Constipation

While constipation can occur in all of the aforementioned disorders and conditions, it will likely be one of many symptoms. If you experience constipation with other symptoms and believe that you may have an underlying health condition, speak to your doctor.

How Is Chronic Constipation Diagnosed?

Diagnosing chronic constipation is based on certain criteria.

The criteria used to diagnose functional constipation is having at least two of the following six symptoms for at least three months of a six-month period:

  • Fewer than three bowel movements in a week
  • Straining for more than 25% of bowel movements
  • Having hard or lumpy stools during more than 25% of bowel movements
  • Feeling as though something is stopping you from having a bowel movement more than 25% of the time
  • Feeling as though you have not fully emptied your bowels for more than 25% of bowel movements
  • Using manual aids to help defecate for more than 25% of bowel movements

In addition, stools are rarely loose unless you use laxatives and you don't meet the criteria for irritable bowel syndrome.

Tests will be done following a collection of your health history so that your healthcare provider can rule out other causes. These tests may include:

  • Blood labs to check for underlying health conditions
  • A stool sample to check for infection or inflammation
  • Urine tests to check for diseases such as diabetes
  • A colonoscopy or endoscopy , which involves a scope that can look for structural problems within the color, rectum, and anus
  • A physical exam
  • A trial run using fiber supplementation and laxatives to determine if your diet is playing a role in your chronic constipation
  • Anorectal manometry , which is designed to test pressure in the anus and rectum to see how well it is functioning
  • Balloon expulsion , which is a test that inserts a balloon into the rectum to assess how the patient's digestive system is functioning when having bowel movements
  • Tests that involve eating a meal with radioactive substances to help track how food passes through your gastrointestinal tract
  • Fluoroscopic defecogram or MR defecography to look for anterior or posterior rectocele

The Goal of Testing

The main goal of testing is to get a clear picture of what’s going on inside the gastrointestinal tract . Since there are so many causes, various tests such as the ones mentioned above may all be performed.

Treatment for Chronic Constipation

Treating constipation relies heavily on the cause. If an underlying health condition is diagnosed, constipation will likely subside with treatment targeting the root cause. Other treatment options include dietary changes, laxatives, pelvic muscle exercises, and in rare cases, surgery.

Dietary Changes

In many cases, chronic constipation can be due to a poor diet, and dietary changes can help alleviate constipation, including:

  • Adding more fiber to your diet
  • Increasing your fluid intake, especially water

Laxatives can help the gastrointestinal tract move waste more easily. Different types of laxatives may be used, such as bulk laxatives, which are essentially fiber supplements, or polyethylene glycol, which is a chemical solution that works by holding water in the stool to soften it as it moves through the gastrointestinal tract.

Stimulant Laxatives for Chronic Constipation

Stimulant laxatives work by stimulating the nerves in the colon to cause contraction of intestinal muscles, leading to a bowel movement. While they are effective, they should only be used in special cases because they are often associated with unwanted side effects such as cramping. 

Pelvic Muscle Training

Pelvic muscle training is a type of training exercise that aims to strengthen pelvic muscles. It can be used to support the rectum and proper bowel function.

A type of therapy to help retrain the muscles is called biofeedback . This therapy involves being hooked up to electrical sensors that are designed to help a person control their bodily functions.

For chronic constipation, the hope is that biofeedback can essentially give a person the ability to control and change how their muscles work to encourage more regular defecation.

In the event that a structural issue is causing constipation, surgery may be required. Surgery involves removing any blockages that are making it difficult to pass stool through the gastrointestinal tract.

Although chronic constipation isn’t always serious, it’s important that you see your doctor if you are experiencing it for three or more weeks. You should go to your nearest emergency department if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms along with your chronic constipation:

  • Severe abdominal pain that does not go away
  • Bloating that continues to worsen
  • Blood in your stool
  • Bleeding from your rectum
  • Pain in your lower back
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • The inability to pass gas

Chronic constipation is characterized as constipation that occurs more than three times a week for a period of roughly three to six months. Being constipated is often associated with straining to have a bowel movement, abdominal pain, and feeling sluggish.

There are many things that can lead to chronic constipation such as certain medications, underlying health conditions, a lack of exercise, poor diet, and structural issues within the gastrointestinal tract. Since there are a myriad of possible causes, you should always seek out the proper medical care if you experience chronic constipation for any length of time.

Plenty of treatment options are available depending on the cause.

A Word From Verywell

Chronic constipation is uncomfortable, but it’s not always something to worry about. Since there are so many causes, from something as simple as your diet to something as serious as cancer, it's important that you see your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the right treatment so you can overcome chronic constipation.

While damage to the intestines isn’t likely to occur, chronic constipation can lead to several long-term complications. These include inflammation of the veins in the rectum, tears in the lining of the anus, and infection in pouches of the colon wall. You can also damage your pelvic floor muscles from straining too much.

Feeling tired and weak is a common symptom of constipation. When your body is holding on to too much waste, it is not absorbing nutrients from food. This can cause malnutrition, which can lead to fatigue. Tiredness and weakness may also be a sign that an underlying medical issue is to blame for your constipation.

It is unlikely that toxins will build up in your body if you’re constipated since your colon can expand to continue to hold the waste. That being said, there are rare cases in which a bacterial infection has occurred when waste entered a wound in the colon or rectum caused by straining during bowel movements.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. Your Digestive System and How It Works.

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Constipation.

Gray JR. What is chronic constipation? Definition and diagnosis. Can J Gastroenterol. 2011 Oct;25 Suppl B(Suppl B):7B-10B.

Bae SH. Diets for constipation. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2014 Dec;17(4):203-208. doi:10.5223/pghn.2014.17.4.203

Huang R, Ho SY, Lo WS, Lam TH. Physical activity and constipation in Hong Kong adolescents. PLoS One. 2014 Feb 28;9(2):e90193. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0090193

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms and Causes of Constipation .

Jani B, Marsicano E. Constipation: evaluation and management . Mo Med. 2018;115(3):236-240.

Forootan M, Bagheri N, Darvishi M. Chronic constipation: A review of literature. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 May;97(20):e10631. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000010631

Saha L. Irritable bowel syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based medicine. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Jun 14;20(22):6759-6773. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6759

Fakhoury M, Negrulj R, Mooranian A, Al-Salami H. Inflammatory bowel disease: clinical aspects and treatments. J Inflamm Res. 2014 Jun 23;7:113-120. doi:10.2147/JIR.S65979

Kids Health. Hirschsprung Disease (for parents).

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Diverticular Disease.

Jessurun JG, van Harten PN, Egberts TC, Pijl YJ, Wilting I, Tenback DE. The Relation between Psychiatric Diagnoses and Constipation in Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Psychiatry J. 2016;2016:2459693. doi:10.1155/2016/2459693

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. Diagnosis of Constipation.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for Constipation.

Panarese A, Pesce F, Porcelli P, Riezzo G, Iacovazzi PA, Leone CM, De Carne M, Rinaldi CM, Shahini E. Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency. World J Gastroenterol. 2019 Apr 14;25(14):1729-1740. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i14.1729

By Angelica Bottaro Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space.

Advertisement

I had chronic constipation — here's how i cured it.

Michael Tamez

If you often struggle to go to the bathroom, you're not alone. When it comes to digestive issues, chronic constipation is one of the most common problems. In fact, it's estimated to affect up to 27 percent of the North American population!

Besides being unhealthy, constipation is uncomfortable, frustrating, and stressful to deal with. Believe me, I know the feeling well — I dealt with chronic constipation for years.

In my early twenties, I was in an unhealthy relationship and started experiencing physical ailments from the mental and emotional turmoil I was going through.

Over-the-counter laxatives may ease the symptoms for a while — but they won't treat the root cause.

Back then, I wasn't eating healthy , and I wasn't nearly as educated as I am now on what foods would have been healing for my condition. To combat the constipation, I tried eliminating certain foods from my diet and adding certain foods in, but to no avail. I added more greens in since I had always associated leafy vegetables with being helpful with bowel movements. But the greens only made the constipation worse.

My dietary choices, combined with the stress of being in an unhappy marriage, wreaked havoc on my digestive system. I didn’t realize that all the emotional stress I was experiencing was literally backing me up. At the time, I was stuffing my emotions and not in touch with my true feelings — and my body literally started holding everything in.

That's why, to me, chronic constipation is one of the first signs that you're not listening to your body. It's a sign that you're not feeding your body, mind, and soul with the proper foods, thoughts, and feelings. So in order to have total healing, both the physical and the emotional areas need to be addressed. Over-the-counter laxatives may ease the symptoms for a while — but they won't treat the root cause of constipation.

It was only after I starting listening to my body, became a certified holistic health coach, and went through a trial-and-error process to discover the natural treatments that worked best for me that I finally got the condition under control.

Here are the five natural methods I used to cure my constipation for good:

1. I started listening to my body.

As I mentioned before, I first tried incorporating tons of greens into my diet — only to find myself getting even more constipated. Of course, in most cases, greens are amazing! But they simply don't work for my digestive system. This is what I mean when I say, “Listen to your body.”

What works for your body may be completely different from that of a family member or friend. So one of the most powerful things you can do to eliminate constipation or any digestive ailment is to pay attention to what's going on in your body the first hour after you consume specific foods.

By incorporating this into your routine, you'll pinpoint what specific foods are backing you up and what foods are promoting healthy digestion.

2. I hydrated like it was my job.

It's no secret that water is one of the keys to overall health and well-being. But it's especially the case when it comes to moving waste out of your body.

I like to use the analogy of a dirty dish that has dried food stuck on it. When the dish is submerged into water, the food particles slowly start loosening up and coming off. It's the same thing with your digestive system. Staying hydrated and drinking the proper amount of water for your body is key to avoiding constipation.

Once again, I believe that different people need different amounts of water — the standard advice of eight glasses a day isn't right for everyone. It's something you need to figure out by listening to your body. Experiment and see what amount has you eliminating more and feeling your best.

3. I got regular massages.

While there hasn't been a lot of scientific research in this area yet, I personally saw that being under chronic stress during my bad marriage contributed to my digestive issues.

Fortunately, massage is one of the most preventive and stress-relieving modalities that exist. Studies show that it helps relax the muscles, reduce stress, and even lower blood pressure .

Plus, massage therapists can use certain techniques to coax the digestive system into moving properly and loosening everything up. A 2009 study in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that abdominal massages significantly decreased constipation and led to more trips to the bathroom. A good abdominal massage by a licensed professional, in conjunction with drinking water, can be very effective.

4. I loaded up on olive oil.

Olive oil has traditionally been used to treat constipation, and some recent research also suggests that it can be helpful. Personally, I found that consuming about 3 tablespoons of olive oil and an avocado (a good source of fiber) every day really helped to keep things running smoothly.

Be sure you're consuming pure olive oil that's not mixed with any other oils, like canola or vegetable oil. And don’t worry about the fat content — the healthy fats in olive oil and avocados are great for many systems of your body.

5. I evaluated my emotions.

Personally, I saw that my repressed emotions during my stressful marriage showed up metaphorically in the form of constipation.

So, I recommend taking time to evaluate your feelings and ask yourself some questions: Is there something you're withholding? Maybe something you're not in communication about that you need to be? Are you silently stuffing your emotions or even denying that they exist?

Holistic health is achieved not only by eating well and being active but by processing and allowing yourself to experience your authentic feelings.

Related Reads:

  • How I Lost 100 Pounds, Solved My Sleep Issues & Saved My Life
  • 9 Easy Ways I Improved My Digestion (After Years Of Issues)
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How to Treat Severe Constipation

Last Updated: October 11, 2022 References

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 13,364 times.

Severe constipation is defined as a condition wherein you cannot pass stool more than three times a week. This is a very common condition that occurs because of a lack of water in the body, low fiber intake, or other underlying medical conditions. If you are dealing with severe constipation, you can first try altering your diet and lifestyle, and can then consult a doctor about prescriptions for the medications described in Method 2.

Making Lifestyle Changes

Step 1 Increase the amount of water you drink each day.

  • While everyone has different drinking requirements, the average adult woman should try to drink at least 2.2 liters (0.6 US gal) of water a day, while the average adult man should try to drink 3 liters (0.8 US gal) of water a day. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source

Step 2 Include high amounts of fiber in your diet.

  • Legumes: Lentils, black beans, lima beans, and split peas.
  • Vegetables: Green peas, artichoke, turnip greens, broccoli, sweet corn, carrots, and Brussel sprouts.
  • Fruit: Raspberries, apples, bananas, pears, oranges, and raisins.

Step 3 Eat prunes every day.

  • One cup of uncooked prunes contain about 12 grams of fiber, while three dried prunes contain 3.9 grams of fiber. [5] X Research source

Step 4 Drink a cup of coffee.

  • Try to drink one cup (eight ounces) of coffee a day, unless told otherwise by your doctor.

Step 5 Do not delay if you feel the urge to defecate.

  • If you hold your stool in, the large intestine will withdraw more water from the stool, making it hard, dry, and more challenging to pass out.

Step 6 Place a small footstool next to the toilet.

  • If possible, try to exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week [9] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source . Exercising can include jogging, swimming, bicycling, rock climbing, and lifting weights.

Taking Medications

Step 1 Take bulk-forming agents.

  • Your doctor may prescribe a low sub-therapeutic dose that you gradually increase each week.

Step 2 Try a stool softener.

  • Docusate is often prescribed for people who should try to avoid straining while they defecate. It’s usual dosage is generally 50 to 500 mg, taken at bedtime. [10] X Research source Ford AC, Suares NC. Effect of laxatives and pharmacological therapies in chronic idiopathic constipation: systematic review and meta-analysis. Gut. Feb 2011;60(2):209-18
  • Senna is also a normal prescription. It works by acting directly on the intestinal mucosa to make it easier to pass out stool. [11] X Research source Ford AC, Suares NC. Effect of laxatives and pharmacological therapies in chronic idiopathic constipation: systematic review and meta-analysis. Gut. Feb 2011;60(2):209-18

Step 3 Talk to your doctor about saline laxatives.

  • Magnesium hydroxide works by causing your gut to retain water, which helps to stimulate your colon’s activity, which relieves constipation.
  • Magnesium sulphate has a similar mode of action, but works more quickly. It can be effective in three hours if it is taken orally, and can have effects in 15 minutes if it is administered through the rectum. However, it is not recommended for children or people with kidney diseases.
  • Magnesium citrate acts in the same way as the two previously mentioned saline laxatives, but you must discuss taking this laxative with your doctor as it will not work for all people.

Step 4 Consider taking lubricant laxatives.

  • The normal dose for fleet is 15 to 45 mL per day while the dose for kondremul is 30 to 75 mL taken each day. [13] X Research source Johanson JF. Review of the treatment options for chronic constipation. MedGenMed [serial online]. May 2, 2007;9

Step 5 Discuss osmotic laxatives with your doctor.

  • The usual dose is 15 to 30 mL each day. It should begin to take effect 24 to 48 hours after you consume the medication. [14] X Research source Johanson JF. Review of the treatment options for chronic constipation. MedGenMed [serial online]. May 2, 2007;9

Step 6 Consider taking stimulant laxatives.

  • Senna leaf extract, bisacodyl, and castor oil.

Expert Q&A

  • Note that when taking laxatives and other stool medications, long-term use of these medications are not advisable. Stop taking these medication once constipation is resolved. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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  • ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
  • ↑ http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/healthy-eating/healthy-ways-to-get-your-daily-fiber.aspx
  • ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948M
  • ↑ http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/dietary-fiber-the-natural-solution-for-constipation
  • ↑ http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2013/01/coffee-and-the-ritual-bowel-movement
  • ↑ http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/conditions/constipation-and-impaction
  • ↑ http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/exercise-curing-constipation-via-movement
  • ↑ http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/American-Heart-Association-Recommendations-for-Physical-Activity-in-Adults_UCM_307976_Article.jsp
  • ↑ Ford AC, Suares NC. Effect of laxatives and pharmacological therapies in chronic idiopathic constipation: systematic review and meta-analysis. Gut. Feb 2011;60(2):209-18
  • ↑ Di Palma JA. Expert commentary--new developments in the treatment of constipation. MedGenMed. Jan 1 2005;7(1):17.
  • ↑ Johanson JF. Review of the treatment options for chronic constipation. MedGenMed [serial online]. May 2, 2007;9

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Constipation

Constipation is where you have changes to how you poo, including not pooing as often or finding it hard to poo. It's common and it affects people of all ages. You can usually treat it with simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.

This page is about constipation in adults. There's separate information on constipation in babies and children .

Check if it's constipation

It's likely to be constipation if:

  • you have not had a poo at least 3 times during the last week or you're pooing less often than usual
  • the poo is unusually large or small and is dry, hard or lumpy
  • you are straining or in pain when you have a poo
  • you feel like you haven't fully emptied your bowels

You may also have a stomach ache and feel bloated or sick.

If you're caring for someone with dementia or an older person, constipation may be easily missed. Look out for any behaviour changes such as confusion, as it might mean they are in pain or discomfort.

What causes constipation

Constipation in adults has many possible causes. Sometimes there's no obvious reason.

The most common causes include:

  • not eating enough fibre, which is found in fruits, vegetables and cereals
  • not drinking enough fluids
  • not moving enough and spending long periods sitting or lying down
  • being less active and not exercising
  • often ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
  • changing your diet or daily routine
  • a side effect of medicine
  • stress, anxiety or depression

Constipation is common during pregnancy and after giving birth. It is also more common if you are black or if you are over 65 years old.

Constipation can also be caused by a medical condition such as diverticular disease or bowel cancer , but this is rare.

How you can treat and prevent constipation yourself

Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help treat constipation.

It's safe to try these simple measures when you're pregnant.

You may notice a difference within a few days. Sometimes it takes a few weeks before your symptoms improve.

Make changes to your diet

To make your poo softer and easier to pass:

  • eat a healthy balanced diet and include fruits that contain sorbitol such as apples, apricots, grapes (and raisins), raspberries and strawberries
  • drink plenty of water and other fluids and avoid alcohol
  • gradually increase the fibre in your diet
  • add some wheat bran, oats or linseed to your diet

Improve your toilet routine

Keep to a regular time and place and give yourself plenty of time to use the toilet.

Do not delay if you feel the urge to poo.

To make it easier to poo, try resting your feet on a low stool while going to the toilet. If possible, raise your knees above your hips.

Consider increasing your activity

A daily walk or run can help you poo more regularly.

Speak to a pharmacist for advice

Speak to a pharmacist if diet and lifestyle changes are not helping.

They can suggest a suitable laxative . These are medicines that help you poo more regularly.

Most laxatives work within 3 days. They should only be used for a short time.

Video: How to treat constipation

This video shows you how to treat constipation.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you:

  • are constipated and it's not getting better with treatment
  • are regularly constipated
  • are regularly bloated
  • have blood in your poo
  • have lost weight without trying
  • are constipated and feel tired all the time
  • are taking medicine that's causing constipation – such as opioid painkillers
  • notice sudden changes in the how you poo (your bowel habits)
  • have tummy pain

Speak to the GP before you stop taking any prescribed medicine.

Complications of long-term constipation

Long-term constipation can lead to faecal impaction. This is where poo has built up in the last part of the large intestine (rectum).

The main symptom is diarrhoea, which leaks through the build-up of solid poo.

Faecal impaction may be treated with:

  • stronger laxatives – prescribed by a GP
  • a suppository – medicine you place in your bottom
  • a mini enema – where fluid is passed through your bottom, into your bowel
  • a healthcare professional removing some of the poo – this is not something you should do yourself

Page last reviewed: 26 October 2023 Next review due: 26 October 2026

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  • George Westerman,
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how to solve a constipation problem

Five questions to help leaders discover the right analytics tool for the job.

AI moves quickly, but organizations change much more slowly. What works in a lab may be wrong for your company right now. If you know the right questions to ask, you can make better decisions, regardless of how fast technology changes. You can work with your technical experts to use the right tool for the right job. Then each solution today becomes a foundation to build further innovations tomorrow. But without the right questions, you’ll be starting your journey in the wrong place.

Leaders everywhere are rightly asking about how Generative AI can benefit their businesses. However, as impressive as generative AI is, it’s only one of many advanced data science and analytics techniques. While the world is focusing on generative AI, a better approach is to understand how to use the range of available analytics tools to address your company’s needs. Which analytics tool fits the problem you’re trying to solve? And how do you avoid choosing the wrong one? You don’t need to know deep details about each analytics tool at your disposal, but you do need to know enough to envision what’s possible and to ask technical experts the right questions.

  • George Westerman is a Senior Lecturer in MIT Sloan School of Management and founder of the Global Opportunity Forum  in MIT’s Office of Open Learning.
  • SR Sam Ransbotham is a Professor of Business Analytics at the Boston College Carroll School of Management. He co-hosts the “Me, Myself, and AI” podcast.
  • Chiara Farronato is the Glenn and Mary Jane Creamer Associate Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and co-principal investigator at the Platform Lab at Harvard’s Digital Design Institute (D^3). She is also a fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and the Center for Economic Policy Research (CEPR).

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Common printer problems and how to fix them

A printer is a wonderful thing when it works, making your life easier by providing lightweight, foldable documents you can tuck in a folder or jam into a pocket. Unfortunately, even the best printers can run into trouble sometimes.

The worst part is the way printer problems interrupt your day. You have to diagnose the issue and fix it before printing can continue. If you own a printer from one of the best printer brands , it should be very reliable, and when trouble arises, the solution is usually easy.

The most popular printers from HP, Epson, Canon, and Brother use similar technology, so this guide should help you get any printer working again. Let’s take a look at the most common printer problems and how to fix them so you can get your labels, documents, or print projects rolling again.

Printer is offline

If you see a warning that your printer is offline when you try to print, there might be an easy solution. Printers try to save energy by sleeping, just like your laptop and phone do. Even though a printer doesn’t run on a battery, sleeping reduces your electricity bill and helps minimize greenhouse gases.

Ideally, your printer should wake up when you send a new print job over Wi-Fi. If it has been a while since you’ve used it, it could be in a deep sleep. Try pressing the Ready  button or Home button to wake up a sleeping printer. If you don’t have those buttons, press the P ower button.

If your printer is on and awake, you should be able to see the screen showing printing options or settings. If there’s an error message, pay attention to what it says. That could be a great clue to solving the problem.

If your printer doesn’t have a screen, watch for the LEDs to change color or light up. Errors might be indicated with a red or orange LED. Most manufacturers use color coding, so green generally means you’re good to go, while yellow, orange, or red could suggest trouble. Since there’s no screen, check the mobile app for more information.

If you can’t get the printer working quickly, you can find more help in our guide to troubleshooting an offline printer .

Printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi

It should be easy to connect a printer to Wi-Fi, yet this is a very common complaint. Often, the trouble isn’t caused by the printer, but by your network. Troubleshoot your Wi-Fi first to find out if the issue lies there.

Even if your phone can connect, that doesn’t mean your printer can. Modern routers broadcast on more than one band, but printers are often limited to the 2.4 GHz frequency. Smart home devices often use this bandwidth, so check if your smart speaker or smart light works.

If you are having trouble with your internet connection or router, we have an article dedicated to solving the most common Wi-Fi problems .

Printer queue and spooling errors

If you run into printer queue or spooling errors, you might be confused about what those even mean. These obscure terms sound weird because they are programmer speak.

A queue is just a waiting line for documents you are trying to print. If something goes wrong on your computer when you try to print, you might need to clear the queue to tell the computer to stop trying to print. Then, you can try again with a fresh start.

We have an article that provides step-by-step instructions on how to clear the print queue for Windows PCs and Mac computers .

Printer spooling is a related concept that refers to the system app that is in charge of putting documents into the printer queue. If you clear the queue and you still get a queue error, or if you see a warning about a spooler error, you need to restart that app.

Don’t worry because it’s easy to do with our guide to printer spooling and how to fix it on Windows and Mac .

Low-quality prints

Occasionally, a print quality issue will arise in an otherwise great printer. If you start seeing lines, gaps, overlaps, or a tilt in text, graphics, and photos, it could mean some components have become misaligned. That sounds like a serious problem, but there’s an easy fix.

Look in your printer’s mobile app or use the screen on your printer to look in the maintenance section. Most printers have an alignment feature.

For inkjets, it’s called printhead alignment. For laser printers, it’s color plane alignment. For either printer type, alignment is a way to solve many quality issues.

The best photo printers show accurate colors, but pictures can look odd if ink or toner runs low. We’ll cover that next.

Printer supplies

Printer supplies are probably the easiest detail to overlook, but it happens. Does your printer have paper and ink or toner?

Laser printers use large toner cartridges and typically last for hundreds of pages. A cartridge-based inkjet printer can use all of the ink in a hurry. Inkjet tank printers keep rolling out pictures and documents in the thousands, but eventually, they run out.

If you completely run out of paper, ink, or toner, your printer will stop printing. You need at least three colors to print a photo. If you run low, the colors might look wrong even if your printer accepts the print job.

The solution is obvious in this case. Resupply your printer with paper, ink, or toner to get it working again.

Paper problems

When you change paper, you might need to choose the matching paper type in the printer settings or the app you’re printing from. Make sure you pick the right tray if your printer has more than one.

If you have paper in the printer, but it jams, gets wrinkled, or is misaligned, that’s a tougher problem to solve. Sometimes, the issue is actually the paper.

If you try to print on paper that’s too thick or incompatible with your printer, it could get jammed, wrinkled, or simply result in a poor-quality printout. Check your printer manual or visit the manufacturer’s support page to find out what types of paper are compatible.

If you’re using plain letter-size paper, it should work in almost every printer. However, if you don’t print very often, paper can become damp in humid areas, collect static in a dry climate, or curl if it’s left in a vertical tray that lacks complete support. When in doubt, try fresh paper to check if that’s the problem.

Printer jams can cause headaches. Try to gently pull the paper through, if possible. That isn’t always easy. If you need help, check your manual and read our printer jam troubleshooting guide .

Printer hardware trouble

Printers are usually robust machines. Even cheap printers can be reliable and save you money . Unfortunately, mechanical parts can fail, and that’s a fact of life. Components might wear out, and any printer can suffer from a rare manufacturing defect that prevents printing.

Some hardware errors might show an error message. It’s a good idea to take a photo or make a note in case you need to get technical support from the manufacturer or send your printer in for repair.

Check your warranty as well. Most printers come with a one-year warranty, but more expensive printers often have two years of coverage. Always reach out even if you’re out of warranty since manufacturers want to protect their brand name and keep a good reputation. If a printer has a known problem, you might get support even after the warranty has expired.

Common printer problems and how to fix them

Watch CBS News

Social welfare organization or political party? Why No Labels may need a label

By Cristina Corujo

Updated on: February 10, 2024 / 1:41 PM EST / CBS News

For months, the group No Labels has mounted an aggressive ballot access drive, aiming to put a candidate on the 2024 presidential ballot in as many states as possible. No Labels says it wants to give American voters "a better choice" than what seems increasingly likely to be available from the major parties: a rematch between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

Though the group has succeeded in obtaining a ballot line in 14 states, critics have raised questions about how No Labels, which is not a political party, plans to run a candidate in the 2024 presidential race.

What is No Labels?

No Labels was founded in 2009 by Nancy Jacobson — the wife of Mark Penn, who was Hillary Clinton's chief strategist on her Senate and first presidential campaigns — as a 501(c)(4) organization. This tax designation means No Labels is a social welfare organization, a group that "may engage in political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office provided that such intervention does not constitute the organization's primary activity," according to the IRS. Initially, No Labels aimed to unite Democrats and Republicans trying to solve some of Congress' most intractable problems. 

But by 2021 its mission had evolved. No Labels began working on a nationwide ballot access project to "enable the potential nomination of an independent Unity ticket in 2024," its website says. 

In pursuing ballot access in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., No Labels has raised a backlash from Democratic leaders and groups that fear the group's candidate could take votes from President Biden and hand the presidency to Trump. 

Some Democratic members of Congress and groups have also accused No Labels of acting like a political party, despite its tax-exempt social welfare organization status.

No Labels chief strategist Ryan Clancy said that No Labels is not acting like a party because it is "not specifically advocating for or against [a] candidate."  

"A group like No Labels has a right to get on the ballot without being considered a political committee," he said.

But in some states where it has obtained a ballot line, No Labels has already been recognized as a political party. Maine's secretary of state recently recognized it as an official political party early this year after it reached the signature threshold necessary, the state's election commission said. 

William Galston, one of the group's co-founders, told CBS News that he decided to part ways with the movement when its "mission shifted" and started working on its possible independent presidential movement for 2024.

"I decided that this was such an important issue for me that I can no longer in good conscience remain in a fairly senior and visible advisory position inside No Labels," Galston said. 

Two No Labels donors accused group of "bait and switch"

That alleged shift in mission is already the subject of a lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court. In January, two members of the Durst family, one of New York City's most prominent real estate families, accused the group of a "bait and switch," contending No Labels diverged from its original mission of encouraging bipartisan legislation to pursue a possible 2024 third-party presidential bid. 

The lawsuit says No Labels solicited funds nearly a decade ago pitching "bipartisan activism aimed at achieving common-sense solutions that appeal to the average American." It was a goal that convinced Douglas and Jonathan Durst to donate $145,000 to the group. But the Durst cousins now regret it, claiming No Labels "has lost its way, abandoned its original mission, and fundamentally betrayed its donors' trust in the process." 

No Labels' finances have also been questioned in recent months because its organization as a social welfare organization means it is not required to disclose its donors. Political parties, however, must regularly disclose who their donors are and how much they donated.

The group says it will address this. In a press briefing last year, Clancy said once a campaign with a candidate is announced, No Labels would be "subject to every campaign finance requirement." No Labels spokeswoman Martini clarified that it would be the ticket — the presidential and vice presidential candidate, and not No Labels — that would be subject to campaign finance laws, and the ticket "would be entirely separate from the No Labels 501(c)(4) organization."

When will No Labels announce its presidential candidate? 

No Labels is still considering whether it should proceed with its presidential unity ticket. Clancy says the group should reach a decision on this "somewhere in mid-March." 

Although No Labels has offered scant information about its candidate selection process, it has said it will hold a virtual convention and then announce a nominee. The group has not said who, if anyone, would be eligible to run but has mentioned that the selection process will be conducted by its own members.

Galston believes that although the group claims to be bipartisan, the influence of former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan over No Labels shows that the group prefers "to put a Republican on the top of the ticket, [rather] than a Democrat." Hogan resigned from the board of No Labels early this year and endorsed GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley. He announced Friday that he's running for Senate .

Haley was commended by No Labels founding chairman and former independent Sen. Joseph Lieberman as someone who "really deserves serious consideration" when asked by CBS News about putting her at the top of a No Labels ticket. 

"If we decide to put forth a ticket, we'll have full details on exactly how that ticket will be selected," Clancy said. "Our focus is making sure we can just get on the ballot, because that's really everything if you're not on the ballot, this whole discussion is academic," he added. 

Where has No Labels qualified for the ballot? 

No Labels has been able to qualify for the ballot in 14 states so far: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota and Utah. 

Clancy says No Labels is expected to be able to obtain ballot access in 32 states because some states will only allow the group to qualify "as a placeholder" for a candidate. 

For this reason, Martini said that regarding roughly dozen and a half states, that it's the candidate who would be pursuing the qualification because of state requirements that there be an actual candidate or because "the ballot access requirement is far less burdensome for the candidate to pursue than for No Labels to pursue without the candidate." She pointed out that in Massachusetts, for example, the state would require 60,000 signatures from an organization like No labels, "but only 10,000 from a candidate."

Thirteen states require a named candidate: Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. 

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article mischaracterized a comment made by No Labels chief strategist Ryan Clancy. The article has been updated.

Cristina Corujo is a digital journalist covering politics at CBS News. Cristina previously worked at ABC News Digital producing video content and writing stories for its website. Her work can also be found in The Washington Post, NBC and NY1.

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  1. 13 home remedies to relieve constipation naturally

    Various home treatments can help manage constipation, such as drinking more water and eating fiber. If home remedies do not help, over-the-counter and prescription medications are available....

  2. Constipation Relief: How To Get Rid of Constipation

    Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Try coffee. While caffeinated drinks and alcohol can make you dehydrated, there's evidence a cup of coffee of tea in the morning may help you poop....

  3. 17+ Ways to Relieve Constipation Quickly & Naturally

    1 Massage your abdomen. Self-massages have been used for centuries to help relieve constipation, and studies have shown that they soften stools, reduce the need for laxatives, and help you poop faster. Simply lie down on your back with your knees propped up with a pillow. Place both hands on your upper left abdomen below your ribcage.

  4. 15 Ways to Make Yourself Poop Fast

    1. Up your fluid intake. "Water is really important for relieving constipation," says Rudolph Bedford, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.

  5. 8 Home Remedies for Constipation

    A fiber supplement can help relieve constipation. "Fiber supplements are bulking agents," says Dr. Garg. "They add weight, size and soften the stool, which helps move the stool through your intestines." There are many options available over-the-counter online or at stores. They come in different forms like powder, fiber thins, capsules and gummies.

  6. 8 ways to get constipation relief

    1. Dietary fiber One of the first steps you can take to relieve constipation is to increase your intake of fiber through your diet. Fiber needs vary by age and sex, but generally adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day. There are two different types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.

  7. Constipation

    Mayo Clinic Diagnosis In addition to giving you a general physical exam, your health care professional will likely do the following during your appointment: Gently press on your abdomen to check for pain, tenderness or irregular lumps. Look at the tissue of the anus and the surrounding skin.

  8. Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

    Belly bloating A feeling like your rectum is blocked A stomachache or cramps You also may feel like you need help to empty your bowels, such as pressing on your belly or using a finger to remove...

  9. The 17 Best Foods to Relieve Constipation

    1. Prunes. Moostocker/Getty Images. Dried plums, known as prunes, are widely used as a natural remedy for constipation. One 1/4-cup (40-gram) serving contains nearly 3 grams of fiber. The ...

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    of fiber. Kiwifruit also contains the enzyme actinidine, which alleviates. upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Apples and pears: These fruits contain high levels of water, which can help to ease ...

  11. Constipation: Causes and Prevention Tips

    Getting more exercise: Regular exercise can help keep stool moving through the colon. Drinking more water: Aim for eight glasses daily, and avoid caffeine, as it can be dehydrating. Go when you feel like it: When you feel the urge to go, don't wait. When to See a Doctor About Constipation

  12. Constipation Relief: Quick Home Remedies

    1. Take a fiber supplement Fiber supplements can effectively induce bowel movements if a low fiber diet is the cause of your constipation. They add volume to your stool to help push it through...

  13. How to Relieve Constipation Naturally at Home

    To help treat mild cases of constipation, try eating easy-to-digest foods that are high in fiber, such as berries, bananas, prunes, or avocado. To prevent future problems, include plenty of fiber ...

  14. Constipation

    Mayo Clinic Overview Constipation is a problem with passing stool. Constipation generally means passing fewer than three stools a week or having a difficult time passing stool. Constipation is fairly common. A lack of dietary fiber, fluids and exercise can cause constipation. But other medical conditions or certain medicines may be the cause.

  15. How to Cure Constipation: 20 Easy, Medically-Proven Tips

    Dietary Changes. Download Article. 1. Drink lots of water. Drink at least eight glasses of non-caffeinated fluids a day while you are constipated. Dehydration is a common cause of constipation, and can make it worse if you continue to drink too little water. [1]

  16. 15 Ways to Treat Long-Term and Chronic Constipation

    1 First steps to consider Can often be treated at home, by drinking more water and taking fiber supplements. You may need to take OTC laxatives, like stool softeners and bowel stimulants See home treatments 2 When you may need a provider You have frequent constipation. Your constipation gets worse.

  17. Exercise for Constipation Relief: Which Exercises to Do

    Simply getting up and moving can help constipation. A regular walking plan -- even 10 to 15 minutes several times a day -- can help the body and digestive system work at their best. If you are ...

  18. Chronic Constipation: Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment

    Specific factors are more commonly associated with chronic constipation, such as: Diet: Eating large amounts of meat, sugary foods, and processed foods can slow down the digestive tract. Lack of sufficient water, fluids, and fiber can also contribute. Exercise: Exercise is good for many areas of your health, and not getting enough of it can ...

  19. Constipation: Symptoms & Causes

    Surgery is rarely needed to treat constipation. But your healthcare provider may recommend surgery if a structural problem in your colon is causing constipation. Examples of these problems include: A blockage in your colon (intestinal obstruction). A narrowing in a portion of your intestine (intestinal stricture). A tear in your anus (anal ...

  20. I Had Chronic Constipation

    1. I started listening to my body. As I mentioned before, I first tried incorporating tons of greens into my diet — only to find myself getting even more constipated. Of course, in most cases, greens are amazing! But they simply don't work for my digestive system. This is what I mean when I say, "Listen to your body."

  21. How to Treat Severe Constipation: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

    4. Drink a cup of coffee. Caffeine, which is found in coffee, has bowel-stimulating properties. Drinking a cup of coffee can help you to pass soft and moist stool because coffee increases peristalsis, which prevents the reabsorption of water in fecal matter. [6] This means that your stool is kept soft and well-formed.

  22. Constipation

    changing your diet or daily routine a side effect of medicine stress, anxiety or depression Constipation is common during pregnancy and after giving birth. It is also more common if you are black or if you are over 65 years old. Constipation can also be caused by a medical condition such as diverticular disease or bowel cancer, but this is rare.

  23. Best Tips on How to Overcome Constipation

    The Yoga Institute 3.87M subscribers 1.9M views 2 years ago #constipationrelief #DrHansaji #TheYogaInstitute Constipation or irregular bowel movements can be caused by poor dietary habits and a...

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    Innovation isn't the first word that comes to mind when you think about a sanitation department. But a few years ago, when New York City officials found themselves in the market for a better ...