Top 10 Pages

1. Constipation and bloating
2. IBS Constipation
3. Health Assessment
4. High Fibre Diet Planner
5. Reasons to Treat Constipation
6. Digestive System Animations
7. Constipation Symptoms
8. Constipation during Pregnancy
9. What to expect from a treatment
10. Treatment Advisor

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Lifestyle Advice

Tips for a healthier lifestyle

Lifestyle has a direct impact on the digestive system, which can be easily disrupted by a poor diet, lack of fluids, too little exercise, absence of routine and high levels of stress. Dealing with these will go a long way towards resolving the problem.

Of course, that is easier said than done. When you are rushed off your feet, under pressure at work or in charge of a demanding family, things are a little more complicated. Here are a few tips which may help you to relieve the burden of a busy lifestyle:

Diet

• Eat high-fibre cereals for a good, and quick, start to your day. (Find out the Facts about Fibre » )
• Find a health food shop near your place of work for quick and easy access to wholesome food - or take a fibre-rich packed lunch.
• Stop working while you are eating and don't eat too quickly - it's only 15 minutes of the whole day!
• Try not to rely on packaged meals or fast food - they are often high in additives and fat and low in fibre.
• Cooking dinners for the week ahead can save time, and you know what you are eating.

Fluids

• Your body needs 1.5-2 litres of fluids a day, so keep a bottle of mineral water permanently in sight, on your desk perhaps, to remind you to keep on drinking.)
• Try to cut down on tea, coffee and alcohol, as these can dehydrate you.

Exercise

• Take advantage of all natural opportunities for exercise - for instance, take the stairs instead of the lift or walk to the shops instead of taking the car.
• Going to the gym can seem like yet another chore - it helps if it's an activity you actually enjoy. Try out several sports to see if there's one you really like.
• Taking the whole family swimming or cycling at the weekend makes for pleasurable exercise which doesn't take you away from them.

Treatment

Don't be reluctant to seek treatment if constipation persists. Your body suffers when it is constipated, so by taking a constipation remedy, you can help restore your body's free-flowing digestive system to help achieve inner health.

Your doctor or pharmacist can help you find an appropriate treatment or try using our Treatment Advisor ».

• View interactive animations of how the digestive system works »
• Find out what the symptoms of constipation are »
• Click here to use our treatment advisor to help find an appropriate treatment »