Other Home Remedies
When you pair OIC remedies with a few other changes, you can effectively alleviate the discomfort. Here are some other tips for dealing with opioid-induced constipation:
• Exercise daily. Physical activity is known to stimulate bowel movements. Try to get about 30 minutes of exercise daily.
• Stay hydrated. Drink around 8-10 eight ounce glasses of fluid a day. This includes water, tea, juices, and decaffeinated coffee. Avoid caffeine overload, since it can dehydrate you and make passing stool more difficult.
• Consume more fibrous foods. Add more fruits, vegetables, and legumes to your diet. Asparagus, beans, prunes, raisins, bananas, and porridge are all good foods to help stimulate bowel movements. Keep in mind that too much fiber can have an adverse effect by causing diarrhea.
• Ice and heat therapies. To assist with abdominal pain from bloating and cramping, apply a cold or hot compress to the pelvic area.
• Avoid triggering foods. Eating too much processed food and simple sugars will make constipation worse. Stick to whole foods.
