How to Cure a Lazy Colon
A lazy colon, medically known as "colonic inertia" and more commonly known as "constipation," is a condition characterized by your colon contracting poorly and retaining stool rather than expelling it. If you have fewer than two bowel movements each week, you would be considered to be constipated. In addition, if you strain or have hard stools more than 25% of the time you attempt to move your bowels, you are also constipated. Although constipation can be caused by a wide array of issues, treating a lazy colon is not as complex.
Instructions
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Cure Your Lazy Colon
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Drink at least two additional glasses of water each day. You should be drinking 64 ounces of water each day. If you already do this and are still constipated, increase your daily water intake to 80 ounces.
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Drink warm liquids, like tea, in the morning. Do not drink coffee, though, as it further complicates digestive tract issues and can make your constipation worse.
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3
Eat bran cereal and foods high in fiber, including fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread. Bael fruit, pears, oranges and grapes, in addition to spinach and figs, all aid in intestinal health.
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Take a laxative, such as Milk of Magnesia, MiraLAX, Dulcolax or Colace Stool Softener. However, you should not rely on laxatives for longer than two weeks. If after a two-week period you still cannot move your bowels with ease, see your doctor.
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Prevent becoming constipated by exercising regularly, since the contracting of abdominal muscles promotes healthy bowels. Also, maintain a diet high in fiber. Avoid drinking too much coffee, as it is dehydrating and can lead to a lazy colon.
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Tips & Warnings
Common side effects of laxatives include nausea, bloating, gas and cramping.
Do not take other medication within two hours of taking a laxative, as laxatives change the way your body absorbs medicines and nutrients.
Stop taking laxatives if you experience rectal bleeding or if you still cannot have a bowel movement after taking a laxative. These could be indications of a more serious problem, and you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
If your constipation goes untreated, it could lead to bacteria and feces leaking into your bloodstream, which can cause infection and even death.
