Lifestyle that is likely to cause constipation^{1, 2)}

Factors that cause constipation include irregular eating habits, insufficient intake of dietary fiber, water, and lipids, etc., undernutrition, vitamin deficiency, general weakness, psychological factors such as tension, fear, and sadness, the habit of holding an urge to have a bowel movement, and lack of exercise. Therefore, it is important to improve lifestyle, including diet and exercise habits to prevent constipation.

How to deal with chronic constipation without putting a burden on the body^1-4)

1) Lifestyle improvement

Lifestyle improvement has also been reported to be effective in improving chronic constipation. Measures for constipation by improving lifestyle include (1) trying to consume a diet rich in dietary fiber, (2) eating fermented foods such as yogurt or supplements, (3) drinking a large amount of water, (4) doing moderate exercise, and (5) massaging the abdomen (abdominal wall).

It is not exactly about lifestyle, but it is also important to have the right posture for a bowel movement. In the Japanese toilet, you can take a posture suitable for a bowel movement without being aware of it. In the Western style toilet, the posture of bending forward like Rodin’s statue "The thinker" is considered most appropriate for a bowel movement.

2) Treatment with drugs

The goal of treatment with drugs for chronic constipation is to normalize a stool shape and promote bowel movement. So, use laxatives that are not habit-forming. It is important to minimize the use of stimulant laxatives as a single use and avoid forming a habit by continuous use or abuse.