If you are worried about suffering from constipation it can make you anxious which just adds to the problem. What you need is information about how to prevent it in the first place. For that, you can count on the gastroenterologists at Digestive Diseases Consultants in New Lenox, IL, and Bourbonnais, IL.

Fiber-rich Food

In order to keep your bowels healthy and working well, it is important to have fiber-rich foods as part of your diet. This means eating fruits and vegetables in their natural state. Processed food has much less fiber than unprocessed food. So if you love apples, eat apples skin and all, rather than get the vitamins from applesauce or apple juice. Legumes such as lentils and dry beans are also full of fiber. Opt for brown rice and whole-grain bread when you have the choice. 

Plenty of Fluids

Getting eight glasses of water a day can be a real challenge for many people. Not only that, but if you drink coffee and tea, they dehydrate you, so you have to make up for that loss. When the feces pass through the colon, the fluid is extracted, and it needs to have enough, or it gets hard and dry and difficult to pass.

Exercise

Never underestimate the importance of exercise when it comes to having a healthy gut. If you spend the majority of your time sitting around, your bowels can get sluggish. Get up and take a walk or just move around, your gut will thank you. 

Take a Look at the Medications You Are Taking

The medications that you are taking may have constipation as a side effect. Discuss what you are taking with your doctor and see if some adjustments to medication can be made to get the results you need for your health without causing constipation.

Probiotics

Good bacteria live in your gut, and it helps to keep things healthy. If you have lost your good bacteria, it can lead to a variety of problems, including constipation. Adding yogurt to your daily routine can be a first step to getting your gut flora back to where it needs to be.

Fiber Supplements

If you can't eat enough fiber to keep away constipation, there are OTC products that can help to add the fiber you are missing.

Contact Digestive Diseases Consultants for help with constipation in New Lenox, IL, and Bourbonnais, IL. Our team of gastroenterologists can be reached at either office by calling (815) 937-5200 or via our website.