Relieving constipation starts bytreating your hypothyroidismbut also involves making a few key lifestyle changes.
Digestion and passing stool are among the processes that can be affected by low thyroid hormone levels.
Still, she says, hypothyroidism can increase your risk of constipation.
How to Relieve Constipation
You dont have to accept constipation as part of your hypothyroidism.
Youll work with your doctor to find the correct dosage for you.
You might need to stop taking medications that contribute to constipation or switch to something else.
Drinkmorewater.Making sure youre adequately hydrated is part of addressing constipation, Jonklaas says.
Aim to drink six to eight glasses of water a day.
Getting enough fluids is particularly important if youre going to be using fiber supplements.
Too much fiber, however, may interfere with the absorption of your thyroid replacement medication.
Talk to your doctor or a dietitian to develop a meal plan that works for you.
Increase fiber in your diet gradually over several days or weeks until you reach your daily goal.
Getmoreexercise.Increasing physical activity should be part of constipation management, according to astudy reviewofconstipation treatmentstrategies.
Regular exercise helps keep stool moving through your colon.
you’re able to also try suppositories.
Trybowelretraining.This is a strategy to help you gain control of your bowel movements.
You might need to relearn your bathroom habits or establish a regular schedule for having a bowel movement.
Bhargavi Patham, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine as well as endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism.
She is currently practicing academic medicine atHouston Methodist Hospitalin Texas.
Patham received her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from Government Medical College in Nagpur, India.
She completed her endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism fellowship at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Madeline Vann, MPH, LPC, is a freelance health and medical writer located in Williamsburg, Virginia.
She has been writing for over 15 years and can present complicated health topics at any reading level.
