A person’s bowel movements can spell the difference between a comfortable, stress-free day and one that has him on the edge of his seat during an important business meeting. While loose bowels are technically viewed as more drastic than constipated ones, constipation also has its share of discomfort: after all, constipation keeps a person from expelling his waste, resulting in stomach aches that just would not go away. Sometimes, as in the case of young children, not being able to get the waste out might even result in a slight fever.

If constipation is a common thing for you, is there a way you can deal with it once and for all? Some people are more prone to constipation than others, and although there are laxatives that can help ease one’s bowel movements, you typically would not want to depend on these. What would you do if you run out, for example? As such it is best to practice these ways of preventing as well as easing the possibility of constipation:

1. Try to keep your diet as fiber-rich as possible. This means eating several servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. If you happen to prefer meats to plant sources, it is no surprise that you will suffer from constipation on a constant basis. Try to find fruits that you like. Fruits high in fiber include bananas, papaya, and melons. Taking fruits in the form of juices may also be helpful, especially if you take the pulp with the juice, such as for citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. However, some experts recommend fruits with the exception of pineapples and mangoes, although others have found good results with mangoes as well. Foods such as potatoes and oats are also an excellent source of fiber; you can get more of these either by having oatmeal for breakfast or by adding oats to your morning cereal. Asian peoples who typically eat rice may also add oats to the rice they are cooking in order to get the best of both worlds. Meanwhile, whole-wheat bread is also a great source of fiber.
2. Drink plenty of water. Water is a wonder element for the human body. Not only does it work in hydrating a person after a workout, it also works as an excellent natural laxative. As experts recommend at least eight glasses of water a day, in your quest to ward off constipation, you may opt to add a few more glasses. Some people find relief by drinking water just before going to the toilet, although the speed of movement has not been proven; it might be a psychological effect that helped them move their bowels much more easily. Others have tried drinking three glasses of water upon waking up, and have been impressed with the results, although of course one will have to take into account his or her personal differences.
3. Regular exercise cannot be undermined in its help for promoting healthy bowel movements. If you currently do not have a regular exercise routine, perhaps it is time to consider how to add more motion to your day. You might be able to add a few minuets of walking or running time, and you will be amazed at the results. The movement plays a strong role in helping you develop a strong digestive system, and it also contributes to healthy bowel movements. In line with this, some experts have found that sitting for long periods of time tends to worsen the condition, so getting up off your butt and moving about will definitely make a difference.
4. Drinks made from honey and lemon have also been used as a natural remedy for constipation. Alternatively, green tea is also found to work wonders for the digestive system. Some have also attested to the wonders of taking natural apple juice the night before, although this is a bit controversial as some people do not respond well to apple juice.

It is always best to take remedies with a grain of salt: some of these are very general and work for everybody, such as eating much fiber, exercising regularly, and drinking plenty of water. However, as for the specifics, it would be best to see how each type of fruit affects your bowel movements, as some of them work better for some people and not so much for others. In any case, you will surely find the best way to deal with your own constipation as you stock up on healthy food options and a healthier lifestyle overall!