People experiencing difficulty and decreased ability to have bowel movements suffer from constipation. The regularity of bowel movements differs with each person. Hard stools that are difficult to pass are common after approximately three days without a bowel movement. Lack of exercise as well as a lack of water and fibrous foods in a diet can cause constipation, which eventually can become chronic.
Fiber Laxatives
Laxatives that contain bulk-containing fiber that expands in the bowel with water intake can increase the ability to pass stool. Medline Plus indicates these types of laxatives are the safest on the market. Examples of bulk laxatives are psyllium and methylcellulose.
Intestinal Stimulants
Intestinal stimulants promote irritation in the intestines, which causes movement, or peristalsis, to occur. This motion of the muscles in the walls of the intestines pushes stool through the body, generating a bowel movement. Examples of bowel stimulants include bisacodyl, castor oil and senna.
Stool Softeners
Stool softeners are medications that soften the stool and prevent problems such as hemorrhoids and other problems associated with straining during bowel movements. Docusate sodium classifies as an example of a stool softener. Overuse of this medication may cause problems in electrically charged minerals in the body called electrolytes.
Eating Increased Fiber
Adding fibrous foods to the diet can help with chronic constipation. Eating salads each day, which contain lettuce and fresh vegetables, will aid the body in forming normal bowel movements, MayoClinic.com reports. Fiber helps to move food along the colon, causing a bowel movement. Fiber absorbs water, which helps to soften the stools in the intestines.
Exercise
Exercise promotes energy to occur in the body that aids in healing and metabolism. The body works similar to an engine and needs movement to function. Movement of the arms and legs along with exercising the abdomen encourages bowel stimulation to occur.
Fluid Intake
Increasing fluid intake in the body will promote softer stools and help with its evacuation from the body, the Cleveland Clinic states. Water helps the body to function because it lubricates the organs and helps metabolism to work at a higher rate.
