![]() Over-the-counter fiber laxatives such as Metamucil, Perdiem, and Citrucel work by bulking up stools, which also has the effect of bringing more water into the intestines. Adding legumes and nuts such as black or pinto beans, chick peas, walnuts, and peanuts and also healthy oils such as olive oil, flaxseed oil, or grapeseed oil to the diet can also help alleviate constipation. Highly processed and fatty foods are more difficult to digest, and can aggravate both constipation and the nausea that may accompany opioid pain medication use.Įating natural laxatives, such as prunes and prune juice, apple cider (not apple juice), bran cereals, watermelon, grapes, apricots, rhubarb, carrots, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, lettuce, raisins, and whole grains can keep the digestive system working efficiently. Frequent small meals can also help relieve the nausea that sometimes results from taking opioid pain medication.Īvoiding fatty, processed meats and fast foods, such as bacon, sausage, hamburgers, cheese, and processed snacks such as cookies and potato chips. It is easier for the body to digest smaller meals, which in turn can relieve constipation. It is crucial to drink lots of water during and after exercise to prevent dehydration.Įating several small meals a day, rather than a few large ones. Caffeine can also contribute to dehydration. Dehydration is a major cause of constipation, and dehydration combined with the use of opioid medication can lead to substantial constipation. It helps keep the intestinal tissue healthy as well. Water helps to relieve constipation by keeping stool soft and hydrated as it moves through the intestines. See Ways to Get Exercise When You Have Arthritisĭrinking plenty of water and other non-caffeinated fluids, at least 40 ounces per day. While patients with arthritis may find some types of exercise difficult, there are many types of gentle exercise they may find accessible, such as water exercise, yoga, tai chi, or walking on a treadmill. In addition, exercise can also help reduce chronic pain, which may reduce the need for opioid analgesics. Exercise increases circulation, which in turn stimulates the bowel muscles, helping to accelerate the movement of stool through the colon, Stretching and yoga can also make the bowel muscles more pliable. Regular exercise can help alleviate constipation. ![]() These techniques may include, but are not limited to:Įxercising. See Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treatment and Osteoarthritis Treatment ![]() Patients who take pain medication and have already developed constipation may also find relief by employing one or more of these self-care techniques. Because of the likelihood of constipation when taking opioid pain medications, many health care providers recommend one or more self-care techniques as soon as patients begin taking the medication-even if constipation has not yet developed. ![]()
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