The internet is full of information – some helpful, and some not so much. You’ll find tons of information about what to eat for constipation, how to avoid constipation, and more. While these resources can be useful, it’s important to fact-check them before applying them to your own life. Remember, if you’re looking for how to avoid constipation, the best thing you can do is live an overall healthy lifestyle. Even then, constipation can be a symptom of something that is out of your control. Here are the myths you need to watch out for.
Myth #1: Drink coffee to avoid constipation
If you’re a coffee drinker, you’ve probably noticed that it makes you go. This is because caffeine stimulates your digestive system’s muscles, causing them to contract and produce a bowel movement. However, caffeine is also dehydrating. Since dehydration can actually cause constipation, it’s important to limit or avoid drinks like coffee.
Myth #2: What to eat for constipation - fiber, fiber, fiber
We often hear that people who are constipated simply need to eat more fiber, but it isn’t always that easy. Yes, fiber is great for healthy digestion as well as overall health. However, you can eat plenty of fiber and still be constipated for other reasons, like a side effect from a medication or a medical condition. If you’re unsure what to eat for constipation, you can amp up your fiber intake by eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. However, remember that there are many more factors that can impact your bowel movements.
Myth #3: It’s okay to ignore the urge to go
If you want to know how to avoid constipation, this is a huge tip – don’t hold it in. We all get busy or feel awkward when in public and the urge hits us, but ignoring it can make things worse. It can both cause constipation or worsen it if you’re already constipated. Getting into a routine can help you avoid this issue, so be mindful of when you feel the urge most and try to give yourself some time every day when that cue hits.
Myth #4: Aging causes constipation
Although there is a correlation between older people and constipation, it is not a normal symptom of aging. If you’re wondering when to worry about constipation, don’t give yourself a pass just because of your age. In most cases, constipation isn’t serious and doesn’t last too many days. However, if you have less than one bowel movement per week, you might want to contact your doctor.
Myth #5: Just eat prunes
When searching for what to eat for constipation, we often come upon prunes as the answer. Perhaps your grandma told you that this was the solution, or you saw it online. Prunes are popular because they are packed with fiber which does help to ease and speed up bowel movements. Still, constipation can result from a lack of exercise, dehydration, and more. If you’re experiencing it, you should look at your entire lifestyle to make sure you avoid constipation risk factors.
Myth #6: Colon cleansing is a long-term solution
Many people turn to high colonics or enemas as a way to remove a blockage which does, in the moment, remove waste. However, if you’re searching for how to avoid constipation, this is not a good solution as it doesn’t address the cause. High colonics can damage the colon and enemas can even cause constipation for older folks, especially for those who do them often.
Myth #7: You should have daily bowel movements
Many people think that when to worry about constipation is much sooner than in reality – like when you go a few days without going to the bathroom. Every body is different, and some people go multiple times in one day, while others only go a few times per week. Although it’s common to have at least one bowel movement per day, going a couple of days in between could be normal for your body. If you have no other constipation symptoms and feel normal, then you shouldn’t worry. Still wondering when to worry about constipation? If you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, you’re likely constipated. If you have one or less per week, it could be more severe.
Myth #8: Bloody bowel movements are normal
You might have bright red blood on your stool or on the toilet paper from fissures (tears in the anal lining) or hemorrhoids, which may not be serious. This can be the result of straining or constipation. Tarry black or maroon blood can signify that blood is coming from higher in the digestive system – this is when to worry about constipation. If you have bloody stool, call your doctor right away. If it’s dark-colored, you should contact emergency medical help.
Myth #9: Drugs are the only option
We tend to address our diet, water intake, and exercise when we first experience constipation. When that fails, we turn to over-the-counter laxatives. If these fail to help, our doctors may tell us that prescription drugs are the final option – but this is a myth!
There are interesting non-drug options out there, for example a gut-hypnotherapy app called Nerva and Vibrant which has a new innovative mechanism of action.
What we don’t often acknowledge is the biological clock-brain connection. This is a scientifically established way of understanding bowel function. When the biological clock’s rhythm is not synchronized, it can lead to several health issues, including constipation.
This is where Vibrant comes in.
Research shows that when the Biological Clock is not synchronized, it may lead to constipation, among other symptoms.
Vibrant®’s unique drug-free approach uses gentle vibrations to stimulate the colon mechanically.
The pre-programmed timing of the mechanical stimulation improves natural colonic motility by leveraging the colon’s biological clock.
Vibrant can help you take charge of constipation and enjoy the quality of life you are wishing for.
Ultimately, you know what’s normal for you and what isn’t. Try to eat a balanced, healthy diet with plenty of fiber, and don’t worry too much about what the internet says to eat for constipation. If you’re in search of how to avoid constipation, a holistic approach to wellness is key.
And remember, consult with your doctor if you have any questions.
