5 Tips to prevent constipation

Constipation is the difficult passage of small hard stools. Here are the 5 tips to prevent constipation.

1. Adequate hydration: Take plenty of fluids (at least 2.5 to 3 liters per day) especially water and fruit juices (for example prune juice). Avoid coffee and soft drinks as it can dehydrate you.

2. Balanced diet: Take a balanced diet and include wholemeal bread, vegetables, salads, cereals, fresh, and dried fruits that provide bulk. Include curd/ yoghurt/ probiotics in your diet. Don't miss meals-food stimulates gut motility.

3. Mobility: Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and do adequate exercise daily- especially walking (for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour) is important.

4. Develop regular toilet habits: Never neglect the call to stool/ toilet. Develop regular toilet habits- regular timing, proper positioning, and abdominal pressure.

5. Avoid medications and compounds causing constipation (for example analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics agents, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, antiepileptic, antihistamines,  iron supplements, cough mixtures, CCBs, codeine, etc.).

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