If you struggle with constipation, TV doctor Amir Khan has some important advice for you. It can be as easy as keeping an affordable item by the toilet
Constipation is a common health problem that impacts people of all ages. It can be painful, uncomfortable and leave you feeling bloated.
But thankfully, there are ways you can make passing bowel movements much easier. ITV’s doctor Amir Khan recently spoke about a helpful tip that you can try without much effort at all.
In a video posted on Instagram, he said: “We know that pushing hard to open your bowels increases risk of piles (haemorrhoids), anal fissures and even a rectal prolapse. But did you know that research shows the best position to be in whilst sat on the loo is with your knees higher than your hips?
“This opens up the rectum making it easier to pass poo. It mimics the natural squatting position. Also remember to drink water, eat fibre and exercise. Plus, get any worrying persistent bowel changes checked.”
When you sit with your feet flat on the ground, you don’t always fully relax, which this can make it more difficult to poo. However, there’s something you can do to help.
Simply place a footstool or box beneath your feet to aid “easier passage of stools”. This advice aligns with the natural squatting position, which has been labelled the “most efficient” method for toilet use.
It’s not just the doctor who swears by the advice. In the comments section, people said the method had worked wonders for them.
One wrote: “I have a squatty potty – game changer.” Another added: “Thank you Amir! You are brilliant at all these embarrassing topics!”
A third also commented: “I got advised to do this by a colorectal nurse after having bowel surgery. It really helps! Thanks Amir. These little videos you are doing are great!”
NHS advice on constipation
If you are having toilet troubles, there is no need to be embarrassed. Remember, constipation is common and there are resources out there that can help.
Symptoms of constipation include:
- Not having a poo at least three times in a week
- Passing stools that are unusually large or small. They could also be dry, hard or lumpy
- Straining on the toilet
- Feeling like you haven’t totally emptied your bowels
- Feeling nauseous, bloated or having a stomach ache
To treat constipation yourself, the NHS recommends:
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet, including sorbitol-rich fruits like apples, apricots, grapes, raspberries and strawberries
- Incorporate more fibre into your diet gradually
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol
- Improve your toilet routine by not delaying when you need the toilet
- Keep to a regular time and place, as well as giving yourself enough time to go
- Increase your daily activity to help you poo more regularly, such as going on a walk
- Speak to a pharmacist for advice if lifestyle changes are not helping
Visit the NHS website for more helpful advice on constipation and don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor if you have any further concerns.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
