TeenHealthFX - Answers - Constipated - How Can I Safely Regulate?

Feces, Poop & Butt Issues / Question
Published: August 19, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I have digestive problems so I decided to take EzLax. I felt better immediately. Soon after the same problem occured so I took the stimulant-laxatives again. I started to take them more often, and my mom thought it was fine. I began to wonder...If laxatives are drugs...does that mean that I could become "addicted"? I started to use the internet for research and found the serious effects of abusing laxatives. I was very frightened at what I read. I told my mom about what I discovered and she said I hadnt taken all of them so she thought I was fine. She took me to the grocery store to get healthy foods and she has me drink benefiber. I try to stay hydrated, but I still get constipated and resort back to the laxatives. I was wondering if you had any natural foods or drinks I should try to help me become "regular" with my movements. I KNOW I CAN QUITE. I just need a bit of direction with foods besides prunes as I read those could have the same harmful effects on my body as the laxatives.

Signed: Constipated - How Can I Safely Regulate?

Dear Constipated - How Can I Safely Regulate?,

For our readers who may not know, constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem where people experience infrequent bowel movements, pass hard stools, or strain during bowel movements. It can be very normal for people to get constipated once and a while, and, if used infrequently and with the instructions of a doctor, laxatives can be fine to use sporadically as well. However, if you experience chronic constipation and find that you need to use laxatives often to regulate your system, it is time to see a doctor to come up with a medically advised plan to deal with the constipation.

You are correct in that laxative abuse is a very serious problem that can wreak havoc on the body. And one of the many problems with laxative abuse is that they can actually make constipation worse in the long run because the body becomes dependent on the laxative rather than its own functions. So, again, if you find you have come to use laxatives regularly or feel dependent on the use of laxatives, seek out medical, and maybe even mental health, treatment immediately.

Causes of Constipation:

Here is a list of the possible causes of constipation:

§ Inadequate fluid intake or dehydration

§ Inadequate fiber intake in the diet

§ Inattention to bowel habits or ignoring the urge when you have to have a bowel movement.

§ Lack of physical activity

§ Irritable bowel syndrome

§ Changes in lifestyle or routine, including pregnancy, aging, and travel

§ Illness

§ Frequent use or abuse of laxatives

§ Specific diseases such as stroke, diabetes, thyroid disease and Parkinson’s disease

§ Problems with the colon or rectum, such as intestinal obstruction or diverticulosis

§ Certain medications, including pain medications, diuretics and those used to treat Parkinson’s, high blood pressure and depression

§ Hormonal disturbances, such as an underactive thyroid gland

§ Anal fissures and hemorrhoids, which can produce a spasm of the anal sphincter muscle

§ Loss of body salts through vomiting or diarrhea

§ Injuries to the spinal cord, which can affect the nerves that lead to the intestine

In rare cases, constipation may signal a more serious medical condition such as:

§ Colorectal cancer

§ Hormonal disturbances

§ Autoimmune diseases

§ Hirschsprung disease, a congenital condition seen in children that results from missing nerve cells in the colon.

Treating Constipation:

Diet and Lifestyle

In the majority of cases, some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle will help relieve the symptoms and help your system to regulate. The following treatments are often very effective:

§ A high-fiber diet: a diet with at least 20-35 grams of fiber each day. High-fiber foods include beans, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Food with little to no fiber, such as cheese, meat and processed foods should be limited.

§ Regular exercise: physical activity can help to stimulate intestinal activity.

§ Adequate fluid intake: drinking plenty of water and other fluids will help your stool to soften

§ Take the time for bowel movements: make sure you have some undisturbed bathroom time when you need to go and do not ignore when you have the urge to have a bowel movement

Know that a high-fiber diet, regular exercise, adequate fluid intake, and taking the time when you have to go are all preventative measures as well as treatment techniques when it comes to constipation.

Laxatives

Some people do use over-the-counter laxatives as a way to treat constipation, however, these should always be a last resort as they can be habit-forming and can have negative effects on your physical health. If you are going to use laxatives, make sure you have the okay from a medical health professional. In addition, if you do use laxatives, go for fiber supplements as these are generally considered the safest of laxatives. Examples of fiber supplements include FiberCon, Metamucil, Konsyl, Serutan, and Citrucel. Keep in mind that fiber supplements must be taken with plenty of water.

To learn more about laxatives and dangers of laxatives abuse, please read our answer to Dependent on Laxatives.

Treating the underlying disorder

If an underlying disorder is causing your constipation, treatment will be aimed at the specific cause. For example, if pelvic floor dysfunction is the cause, your doctor may suggest biofeedback.

Alternative Approaches to Treating Constipation

Again, simple lifestyle and diet changes should help regulate your system, but if these changes do not help there are alternative approaches that may provide relief. There has not been extensive study of these treatments, however, many people have found them to be helpful. If lifestyle changes are not working for you, discuss with your doctor the possibility of using some of the following:

§ Massage: when applied to the abdominal area, massage can help relax the muscles that support the bladder and intestines to help promote bowel activity

§ Acupuncture: may help stimulate the colon and relieve pain from constipation

§ Homeopathic remedies: homeopathy is a holistic, nontoxic system of medicine that is individualized to your symptoms. Numerous homeopathic remedies exist for constipation and typically consist of plant-based laxatives.

Since you are finding that fiber supplements are not helpful in treating your constipation and you have had a tendency in the past to resort to laxatives, FX strongly recommends that you meet with a medical care professional so that you can find out what is causing your constipation, and if any special treatments are required in additional to the lifestyle treatments mentioned above. You might also speak with your doctor about the use of some of the alternative treatments approaches mentioned above.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX