It can be embarrassing, anyone around you hearing your stomach making all kinds of noises, your face showing discomfort – not to mention the discomfort you’re likely feeling in your abdomen area. Having and maintaining a healthy bowel, will likely relieve all of those symptoms (among others).
Determining what is normal for you is important; perhaps that is once a week, once a day, every other day – by knowing this, you will be able to be more conscious of when things are a little of the ordinary.
Knowing what healthy poop looks like, is also important. If you are seeing stools that resemble pebbles for example, it’s likely that you could be constipated. The opposite, being similar to liquid, it’s like you have diarrhea.
How Do You Know If You Are Constipated?
The following is a list of symptoms that are most commonly associated with constipation;
- Fewer bowel movements than normal
- Trouble passing a bowel movement (possible straining)
- Hard or small stools
- Swollen abdomen area or painful
- Nausea or vomiting
- A feeling that everything didn’t come out
As you can imagine, none of the symptoms are enjoyable, and managing constipation early on is important. Given that all our bodies are different, although there are some common trends in what might cause constipation, there are certain foods that may affect some more than others. Here’s a closer look at some of the common causes of constipation;
- Some prescription medications (narcotics for pain especially)
- Eating a lot of dairy products
- Changes in usual diet or daily activities
- Pregnancy
- Difficulty with nerves and muscles in digestive system
- Stress
- Antacid medications
Regardless of the cause, unless of course you should consider checking with a doctor about more serious conditions, constipation should be treated as soon as possible. There are several natural remedies you could try, such as; drinking extra water, adding fruits and vegetables to your diet, eating prunes or bran cereals, or using an over the counter stool softener like Prodiem.
What Is Prodiem?
Prodiem is a stool softener that comes in two (2) different formulas; Overnight Relief Therapy Tablets and Bulk Fibre Therapy Caplets.
The Overnight Relief Therapy Tablets are designed to help relieve occasional constipation and promote bowel movement in the intestine resulting in a bowel movement in around 6 – 12 hours. This container comes in a package of 30 tablets.
This product contains fibre, and it’s listed active ingredient is Sennosides (15mg). Adults and children over the age of 12 can take tow (2) tablets daily. At bedtime, is recommended. Be sure to take Prodiem with a full glass of water or other cold liquid. Children under the age of 12, should have a parent or guardian consult with their doctor.
The Bulk Fibre Therapy Caplets are designed also, to help relieve occasional constipation. Where it is different from the tablets, is these caplets increase water and bulk in the stool – resulting it being easier to come out and typically within 12 – 72 hours. This container comes in a package of 90 caplets.
This product contains Polycarbophil Calcium 625 mg. Adults and children over the age of 12 can take tow (2) tablets daily, or as needed. Taking the caplets at bedtime, is recommended. Be sure to take Prodiem with a full glass of water or other cold liquid. Children under the age of 12, should have a parent or guardian consult with their doctor.
Lastly, here are a few things to consider helping you reduce the risk of constipation;
- Eat a well-balanced diet – lots of fibre, fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, etc.
- Avoid caffeine – caffeine is dehydrating, thus, lessening water from the stool
- Cut back on dairy products, milk and cheese for example
- Use the bathroom – when you feel the urge, go!
