How To Prevent Constipation

Who says keeping your system moving has to be difficult? All it takes is some simple dietary changes. 

With more and more people working from home these days, we understand just how tempting it can be to reach for sweets, chips, or processed foods rather than something nutritious; however, at this point during the year you’re probably looking to curb these bad foods, especially if you’re dealing with frequent gut issues such as constipation. From the office of our New Lenox, IL, gastroenterologists, here are some ways to prevent constipation.

Stay Hydrated 

Water is removed from the large intestines to hydrate your body; however, when there isn’t enough water left in the colon this can lead to dry, hard stools. If you aren’t getting enough fluids throughout the day, you must start to keep your colon hydrated. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.

Consume Enough Fiber Every Day 

Only about five percent of Americans get the recommended amount of fiber every day. That means that 95 percent of people aren’t getting enough fiber in their diet; however, if you want to keep your body regular while also giving your body a lot of the nutrients it needs then you’ll want to start consuming more fiber. Women should get at least 25 grams a day and men should get about 38 grams.

Here are some fiber-rich foods to add to your diet,

• Broccoli
• Oats
• Chia seeds
• Leans and other beans
• Whole grains
• Chickpeas
• Avocado
• Blueberries
• Nuts and seeds

Get Regular Exercise

Getting up and moving every day can also help to get your intestines moving, too. Movement of any kind can be helpful to your digestive tract, whether you love swimming, walking, or running. If you haven’t been working out regularly you may want to start slow and build up to 30 minutes of aerobic activity every day.

When to See a Doctor 

If you have increased the amount of fiber you’re consuming, you’ve upped your water intake and you’re getting regular exercise and you are still experiencing issues with constipation, then it’s time to consult our New Lenox, IL, gastroenterologists to find out what’s going on. We may need to perform a colonoscopy to examine the colon to see if inflammation, disease, or blockage could be responsible for your recurring constipation.

Dealing with constipation can be a literal pain in the butt, but the Digestive Diseases Consultants of New Lenox and Bourbonnais, IL, can help you create a plan to improve the health and function of your digestive tract. Call us today at (815) 937-5200 to schedule an evaluation with us.