Most people associate the summer with feeling healthier however you may notice that summer routines can wreak havoc with your body, and your bowels are no exception! It’s not just sunburn that can spoil your summer, constipation is a common cause of seasonal discomfort too. Not drinking enough water and eating certain foods are common triggers but did you know long periods of lazing in the sun and dehydration on long-haul flights can make you feel bunged up and bloated too? Read on to find out how summer traditions such as these may bring on constipation and how to keep your bowels moving this summer. If you do find that diet and lifestyle changes are not enough you may want to try new Dulcobalance® to keep you moving this summer. It’s a new pleasant tasting drink which uses the natural power of water to keep you regular. Dulcobalance® helps relive constipation.(Dulcobalance® contains macrogol. Always read the label.)
As you probably know, drinking water can help you to have a bowel movement and the frequency of going to the loo and it’s natural to start increasing the amount you drink in hot weather especially if you’re not going to the loo as often as you would like to. find out more
Popular summer foods such as ice-cream, BBQ meat and salads don’t contain much fibre which is needed to regulate your bowel habits.
Help prevent constipation from summer fare by.
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Ignoring the urge to go is more common than you may think! The thought of using a toilet outside of the privacy of your home often fills people with dread – especially if you are at a friend’s house or festival, commuting or on an aeroplane. However overlooking the need to go as often as you would like to find out more
Summer holidays, the kids being off school or lounging in the summer sun at your local park or on the beach can mean your usual mealtimes and exercise routine goes out of sync. Forgetting to eat breakfast when you are busy or spending extended periods of time sitting or lying down can slow the movement of your bowels and bring on constipation. find out more
Experts agree that you you need to drink a minimum of 1.2 litres a day (6-8 glasses) to avoid becoming dehydrated and to keep your stools soft. Remember to increase this if you are more active than usual or the weather is hot.
Help prevent constipation from dehydration by:
Carrying a bottle of water around with you –Sounds simple doesn’t it? However many people only have a drink at mealtimes or when they are thirsty. Try carrying a bottle of water with you on long journeys and buy bottled water when you are abroad.
Alternating alcoholic drinks with soft drinks – Do you tend to drink more alcohol in the summer? If you are attending a summer wedding, festival or BBQ where alcohol is likely to be available, it’s a good idea to interchange soft drinks (not fizzy) with alcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration, especially if you are out in the sun.
Thinking of yourself too – It’s easy to forget to drink regularly especially when you are busy or running around after young children. Remember to keep yourself as well as your children hydrated by drinking regularly when out and about on family day trips.
Popular summer foods such as ice-cream, BBQ meat and salads don’t contain much fibre which is needed to regulate your bowel habits.
Help prevent constipation from dehydration by:
find out more
Adding fibre to your salad or BBQ meal – While summer salads that contain lettuce,tomato, cucumber and celery have significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, they don’tinclude much fibre which is essential for keeping your bowels moving. Try sprinklingbran or pulses on to your salad or having a jacket potato with your BBQ food to increase the amount of fibre you are consuming. If you prefer fruit salad, try to keep the skin on the fruits you eat.
Help prevent constipation from ignoring the urge to go by:
Relaxing – Although it may not always be convenient, you should try find a loo to go wherever you are as soon as you need to. The best time to go is first thing in the morning or 30 minutes after a meal. Try to relax and be comfortable as this may make it easier. Thinking ahead – If you find using a loo away from home embarrassing or are concerned about poor hygiene,why not carry disposable toilet seat covers or a small canister of air freshener around with you, just in case you need to go. If you are really concerned, it is worth checking out your local council’s or travel websites as some include downloadable toilet maps.
Help prevent constipation as a result of a change in your routine by:
Not skipping breakfast – Eat breakfast every morning as this may help stimulate a bowel movement.
Going for a summer walk or stroll – There’s no need to break out into a hot sweat especially in hot weather. However it is a good idea to break up your day with gentle exercise such as walking the dog, exploring your surroundings or even walking to and from work or local park.