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Health

Water is a way to prevent constipation.

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Are you looking for natural ways to relieve chronic constipation, but feel free to ask your doctor? Chronic constipation is one of the most common problems of the gastrointestinal tract, while millions of people self-medicate using over-the-counter laxatives. But there may be the easiest ways to treat chronic constipation - drink plenty of fluids daily, eat foods with fiber and do exercises. Below are answers to some common questions about chronic constipation, and how fluid can help overcome constipation.

What causes constipation?

Many things can cause chronic constipation, including low-fiber diets, climate change and diet, irritable bowel syndrome, and pregnancy. But dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation. After the food you eat is processed in the small intestine, it moves to other parts of the intestine, or large intestine.

If you do not have enough water in your body, if you are dehydrated, the large intestine absorbs water from your food waste. As a result, it is hard stools that are difficult to excrete.

Why is water so important for digestion?

Water makes up about 60% of our body weight. For the food we eat, intestinal lubrication is used, and water can help prevent and reduce chronic constipation, promoting wetting and softening of food in the intestine.

How to prevent dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when the body absorbs more fluid than it absorbs. When we use an insufficient amount of moisturizing fluid during exercise, during hot weather or in daily activities, this may cause the body to use it to store rather than use. To prevent dehydration, you need to control the amount of liquid you drink.

Listen to your body and drink more fluids during exercise and in hot weather.

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Why drink more fluids?

When you drink more fluids, know that it does not cure constipation, but adding fluids can help make the stool softer and allow it to pass easily through the rectum.

How much fluid do you need to relieve chronic constipation?

Most experts say “let your body be your guide” when it comes to thirst. And the Institute of Medicine for Food and Nutrition Council recommends that women consume 91 ounces of water each day (2579.8 grams), including drinks and food; men should consume 125 ounces (3543.7 grams) per day. Remember, this recommendation applies to liquids also in the foods you eat, so do not overdo it with drinking water!

Talk with your doctor about how much water will be the right daily dose for you. People with certain illnesses may need to limit their fluid intake. For example, with impaired renal function. In general, for a healthy person, eight cups of water a day is a good reference point, but some people may need more fluid, and others less.

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What other liquids it is important to use, except water?

Although drinking water is the best source of hydration, as a drink, you can eat fruits, vegetable juices, broths, and herbal teas — they are also good sources of fluids.

What liquids should be avoided?

Yes, there are such liquids. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, cola, carbonated beverages. They are diuretics that eliminate water from your body and help dehydrate the body. So, contribute to the occurrence of constipation.

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