Constipation Treatment

Once we confirm a diagnosis, we will work with you to tailor a treatment plan to meet your needs. Treatment options include:

Constipation Treatment: Dietary Changes

Most often, we can treat constipation through a series of lifestyle and dietary changes. Some necessary lifestyle modifications may include:

• Increasing intake of liquids
• Increasing frequency of exercise
• Eliminating or changing medications

A diet with 20 to 35 grams of daily fiber will help maintain regularity. Changes in fiber intake and other dietary modifications can be effective in helping to reduce the occurrence of constipation. This may include adding certain foods to your diet, as well as eliminating others.

 Foods to add to diet:

• Whole grains
• Bran cereals
• Fresh fruits/vegetables

Foods to limit in diet:

• Dairy (ice cream, cheese, milk)
• Animal protein (meat, fish)
• Processed foods

Learn more about foods to include in a high fiber diet.

Constipation Treatment: Biofeedback

While most cases of constipation can be treated with dietary and lifestyle changes, it may be necessary to explore biofeedback as a way to treat severe, chronic constipation caused by anorectal dysfunction. Biofeedback treatment works to retrain the muscles that control the release of bowel movements.

Some common types of anorectal dysfunction include:

• Hemorrhoids
• Tears
• Abscesses/fistulas (deep ulcers)

Complications from Constipation

It is important to treat constipation so complications do not develop. Learn more about complications of constipation.