Ready to grab my 15 ways to deal with constipation?

It was Amazon Prime Day….so I know you were waiting for that perfect deal. Did you get any of these?

1. Handheld Spiralizer
2. Aqua Air Fryer (or THIS one)
3. I’ll also check out which items have special deals from my Recommended Supplements page and also the Storefront. (p.s. The Instant Pot I have is available for a killer deal.)

And while you’re sitting around waiting to get in on the perfect deals, might as well learn about constipation because that’s what we do here in the Gutsy community.

Constipation is zero fun. Some think that going to the bathroom just a couple times a week is normal and okay. While it might be “normal” to only go 2-3 times per week, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s okay and/or that you’ll be feeling your very best.

This is constipation.

Take into consideration frequency, how you’re generally feeling, and these 5 symptoms. 

5 Constipation Symptoms

1. bloating and/or gas
2. inability to have bowel movements
3. hard, lumpy stools at least 25% of the time (Bristol Stool Chart number 1-2)
4. difficulty or straining at stools
5. sense of wanting to go, but being unable to

And if you’re certain constipation is an issue for you, deal with it as soon as possible. Not only is it zero fun, but it’s also horrible for your body and can set you up with many problems down the line. 

I’m here to help.

15 Ways to Deal with Constipation

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1. Magnesium

   Magnesium for constipation really works. Here are two I’ve used and can recommend: Doctor’s Best and Natural Calm. You could also make my special DIY Constipation Lemonade. 

2. CBD

   If you want to learn more about this one, my friend (and Nutritionist) Ashley Koff wrote about it HERE. I wrote more in depth on the endocannabinoid system in general HERE.

3. Activated Charcoal

   This one is commonly used for constipation. I’ve written about Activated Charcoal HERE. Also, I use it as part of my skin and body care routine. 

4. Prokinetics

   These have been life changing for me! I have an entire list of prokinetics for you to peruse.

5. Light exercise

   Notice I didn’t just say, “exercise” and leave it generalized? That’s because I don’t believe intense workouts help constipation (or diarrhea for that matter). I do, however, think that light exercise can help. And by light I mean, walking, stretching, general movement. 

6. Water

   You don’t want to hear it, but water works. Part of the Gut Healing Bullet Journal I used to keep tracked water. I always knew if I was not drinking enough. Keeping hydrated is key for reducing and eliminating constipation!

7. Fat

   Ensure you are eating enough gelatinous meats and fats, aka high-protein fats (high-protein dairy can aggravate constipation).
   

8. Juicing

   When people are constipated, sometimes smoothies can make it worse since smoothies contain fiber (usually); juices remove the fiber. “Experts” might recommend more fiber during periods of major constipation, but I’m not convinced that’s the right thing to do. I would know because I always tried it; it usually made me worse. If you’ve never tried a juice vs. smoothie, now might be the time.

9. Gelatinous

   More gelatinous meats (i.e. liver), less muscle meats (i.e. boneless, skinless chicken breast).

10. Intestinal Movement Formula

    (Ready Set Go! for children). No, this is not meant to be an everyday thing. It’s meant to be something for when you really need it. 

11. No meat

    This is an opposite approach to some of the above, but if you’ve tried all the things with meat on a keto, Paleo, etc. diet but are still constipated, then maybe meat and your body do not work well together. Once I healed my gut, then I consumed far less meat than ever. But you might be the opposite. 

12. Twists

    This is a great video that shows many of the things I did for relief. I’ve been meaning to make some super small videos to show; maybe soon in all my free time 🙂 

13. Smooth Move Tea

    I don’t recommend this one very often because your bowels can become dependent upon the Senna Leaf, BUT desperate measures can call for it. 

14. FAST!

    I never used to believe this one, but I whole-heartedly believe in it now. Whether you try Intermittent Fasting and/or Meal Spacing, both can be life changing. I believe both have contributed to my continued healing and success.

15. Breathing exercises

    If you think this is just mumbo-jumbo, think again. Try any of THESE or this new one I learned from The Healing Couple – p.s. Get in on one of their classes – so, so good!): deep breath in through the belly, then chest, and release. I’ve been doing this all the time during this past week.

Constipation Note

So you just looked at the entire list and thought, “Well numbers 2, 4, and 7 have never worked for me.”

Great! I am so glad you have tried them and already know that about yourself. Perhaps you know because you are keeping such a great Gut Healing Bullet Journal 🙂

The point is this – everything won’t work for everyone; even some things won’t work for everyone.

You will all be different. 

The goal is to look at this list and say, “I have tried that – doesn’t work – but I have not yet tried that, and it’s worth trying.”

If you’re constipated constantly and sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, you’ll keep an open mind. 

Let me know what works and doesn’t work for you. Also, I’d love to research some other, new ideas. Any thoughts on coffee enemas? Other?

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:

1. 9 Ways to Avoid Bloating After Breakfast
2. 12 Ways to Increase Stomach Motility
3. Why You Might be Bloated and Constipated

Xox,
SKH