Is your colon clogged like a rain-gutter in autumn? Feeling a little backed up? If you haven’t perched on the porcelain throne as frequently as you’d like, and feel bloated or uncomfortable as a result, you might be constipated. There’s no reason to be alarmed or embarrassed, you’re far from alone. In fact, by some estimates, four million Americans deal with constipation on a regular basis. But before we pull the plug on your problem, let’s take a look at the cause of your stopped plumbing.
Constipation can be the result of a few issues. Addressing these root causes is the best way to get rid of a clogged colon. If you are not drinking enough water, or if you are drinking too much alcohol, coffee, or another dehydrating drink, your intestines might get dried out. When this happens, your feces can’t navigate the twists and turns in your intestines with their usual grace. As a result, they often get stuck somewhere along the way.
Other causes include an inadequate supply of fiber or too much dietary fiber, a disruption of regular diet, a lack of activity or exercise, or stress. A combination of these factors can all gang up to work against you, but you don’t need to suffer forever! Here are five ways that you can cure your belly full of bricks, and breathe that sweet-sweet sigh of relief.
1. Use Fiber.
One way to keep your trains running on time is to eat adequate fiber. But you don’t want to dive in all at once, of course. Going from a fiber-poor diet to one that is fiber-rich all at once can be a shock to your system and will only make things worse (that’s right, it can get worse).
Introduce fiber gradually: increase your intake by a few grams each day until you’re consuming 20-35 grams on a regular basis. Obviously this isn’t an immediate solution to your problem, but it should put an end to future drainage issues.
Foods that are rich in fiber include whole grains, Brussels sprouts, carrots, asparagus, most fruits, and beans (known as the musical fruit for a reason!) Work some these into your diet to put an end to all that go-nowhere grunting.
2. Prune Juice.
For faster relief of a clogged colon, reach for a bottle of prune juice. Nothing opens the dam quite like it. Of course, you’re going to need the bona fide real deal: prune-flavored juice just won’t do the trick.
Seek out 100% pure prune juice; you’ll need about a liter. All you need to do is drink as much as possible. There’s no need to throw it all back at once, though. One glass at a time will suffice. Just keep drinking your prune juice until you feel results. What results, you ask? It won’t take long before your tummy starts rumbling. Consider this a warning sign. When the rumbling begins make sure a washroom is nearby, because you’re likely going to need it. How does prune juice work? Prune juice contains a substance known as dihydrophenylisatin. This substance is a natural laxative that works by stimulating muscle contractions in your intestines. Prune juice also contains a number of sugars like sucrose, fructose, and sorbitol that help by drawing fluid into your intestines. This extra water works to evacuate waste, coupled with the stimulated contractions. Get ready to empty your bowels!
3. Use some Laxatives.
If a natural laxative like prune juice doesn’t do the trick, your pipes are probably more than a little stopped up. Not to worry, you aren’t out of luck, you just need to use a higher octane solution. There are a number of stronger laxatives available on the market. Resist the urge to reach straight for the top shelf though. Start somewhere in the middle, as some of these laxatives can be quite potent. Seriously.
A number of these laxatives are available over-the-counter from most drug stores. The exact method of delivery on the one you choose will vary, so be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them. We’re not kidding about this! Always follow the instructions when using any medication. Keep in mind that most laxatives are not safe for long-term use, so only use them when your other options have run out.
4. Try an Enema.
If your constipation still won’t let up, even after trying laxatives, it might be time to make the ultimate sacrifice. That’s right, your poop plug is going to need to be pulled manually. In some cases you can do this with your finger. Gently insert your finger in your rectum to help break up the blockage. It is recommended that you wear gloves so that you avoid injuring yourself, and stay clean in the process.
If you need to go a little deeper, you can use an enema bag. These can be purchased from most drug stores and work by shooting a gentle jet of water into the rectum. The water helps to hydrate and break up any blockages, which should become dislodged after this.
If you attempt this method don’t forget to wash your hands after, of course! Sanitation is always a must.
5. Queue a Little Inspiration.
Sometimes when you’re having a little trouble getting the show started, it helps to have some inspiration. When you’re sitting on the porcelain throne and things don’t seem to be going anywhere turn on a little motivational music. We suggest Led Zeppelin’s When the Levee Breaks, Bruce Springsteen’s The River, or anything from Jackson Browne. Let those sweet guitar riffs wash over you as you feel that sweet relief.
Sometimes all it takes is for you to get comfortable in your surroundings to get rid of a clogged colon. Find whatever method works for you in this regard!
A plugged up colon can be a real pain in the butt. Don’t worry, you’ll get through it. Follow these five tips and the trains will be back on schedule before you know it. All aboard!
If your clogged colon persists, you should consult medical attention. See your doctor or go to a hospital if you are still experiencing discomfort.
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