Relieving occasional constipation

Digestive health plays a major role in your overall well-being. When your digestive system functions normally, you tend to feel lighter, more energetic, and more comfortable. However, when constipation occurs, whether related to stress, travel, diet, or certain medications, the resulting discomfort can disrupt your daily routines and affect your quality of life.

Digestive health

Healthy digestion means that the food you eat is properly broken down, absorbed, and eliminated by your body at regular intervals. While bowel habits vary from person to person, bowel movements occurring anywhere between three times per week and once per day are considered normal.¹

Good digestive health supports, among other things:

• Optimized energy levels
• Better quality of sleep
• Improved abdominal comfort
• A stronger immune system ²

It is important to know that healthy lifestyle habits can help support intestinal transit, for example:

1. Adopting a fibre-rich

The recommended daily fibre intake is 20 to 30 g. Fibre comes from fruits and vegetables, legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans, whole grain cereals, seeds, and nuts. Fibre helps increase stool volume and facilitates movement through the intestines.

2. Drinking enough fluids

Adequate hydration is essential for digestive health. Water helps fibre work effectively and prevents stools from becoming too dry.

3. Staying active

Physical activity naturally stimulates intestinal movement. A simple 20- to 30-minute walk can have beneficial effects.

4. Going to the bathroom when the urge arises

Delaying bowel movements can cause stools to harden and may contribute to constipation.

5. Managing stress

Stress and anxiety can disrupt normal function.

While not foolproof, combining healthy digestive habits can help reduce the risk of occasional constipation.

Causes of constipation

Constipation is often caused by changes in lifestyle or diet. Common causes include:

• Insufficient fibre intake
• Inadequate fluid intake 
• Low levels of physical activity
• Travel that disrupts daily routines or alters eating habits
• A busy schedule that delays bowel movements

In some cases, it may be helpful to consult a health care professional to determine whether constipation is a side effect of certain prescribed medications, such as pain relievers, antidepressants, or diuretics.

Symptoms of constipation

Constipation is generally occasional, but it can still negatively affect productivity, comfort, patience, and quality of life. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty passing stools
• Hard or lumpy stools
• Less frequent bowel movements
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Abdominal bloating
• General discomfort

Constipation is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. However, it is more frequently observed in older adults.

The solution to constipation

Relaxa^TM Laxative powder

Shop

To treat occasional constipation in adults, taking an osmotic laxative, meaning a laxative that works by retaining water in the intestines, can be an effective option to help improve intestinal transit.^3-4

When diet and lifestyle habits are not enough to relieve constipation, Relaxa^TM, an osmotic laxative that has been clinically tested and is used to treat occasional constipation in adults, may provide several benefits, such as:

• Softer stools that are easier to pass
• More comfortable bowel movements
• Relief without sudden urgency
• An effective increase in bowel movement frequency

Using Relaxa^{TM  2} is simple, as its powder formulation can be mixed with any type of beverage, such as water, juice, milk, coffee, or tea. This laxative powder is flavourless, odourless, and non-granular. It should be taken once daily for a maximum of one week, or as directed by a health care professional. Relief and desired effects are generally observed within 2 to 4 days after starting treatment.

When to consult a physician

Although occasional constipation is common, certain situations require medical evaluation. It is recommended to consult a health care professional in the following cases:

• Rectal bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent constipation despite basic measures
• Significant nausea or vomiting

When in doubt, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.⁵

References:

* This product may not be right for you. Always read and follow the directions on the label.

1. Relaxa^TM

2. Relaxa^TM

3. Active ingredient in Relaxa^TM.

4. Relaxa^TM dosing information, December 23, 2023.

5. Pharmacist-owners affiliated with Familiprix are solely responsible for the products and services offered.

— Any medication or natural health product may cause serious side effects or interactions with other medications.

— Always read labels, warnings, and package inserts carefully, and consult your pharmacist when purchasing medications or natural health products.

— Always keep medications and natural health products out of the reach of children.