How to Prevent and Relieve Seasonal Constipation

When picking up the girls from school one day, I grumbled at the stabbing chill in the air which resembled winter wind. Already? So much for the fall season! We did have plans to go to the park that day, yet that was quickly cancelled. I couldn’t wait to get home, crank the thermostat, get pyjamas on, take in some heavy comfort food, and watch TV with calorie-laden snacks. Yep, that sounded like a much better plan.

Over the warm months of the year we are all so active. Winter? Not so much. The girls have school, their sports and activities, plus the general kid-like buzz of constant motion. Myself? I’d hibernate for the duration, if I had my way.

I just cannot stand winter. Thanks to Hypothyroidism which easily goes out of whack despite medication, I’m chilled to the bone all the time, and have that overall sluggish feeling more often than not. So the winter months are especially hard on me since the reduced daylight and sub-zero Canadian temperatures really exacerbate the condition. Hi I’m Tammi and I am a person that can very easily fall into sloth-like ruts.

I’m not alone in this seasonal pattern, many others’ activity rates drop during the winter months and take in heavier meals when the fall season comes. Many don’t realize the impact these two changes have on your digestive health. The combination of low-fibre meals, foods high in sugar and fats plus a lack of exercise can lead to constipation. Stressful right? Wait, stress is another contributing factor too!

Poor digestive health can affect your mood, energy, concentration, and your ability to fight sickness. You owe it to yourself to keep your digestive health in check and not let it control you. Start the fall season off with some feist and #ownthethrone!

How to Prevent Seasonal Constipation:

 
Eat Smarter – increase that fibre; and try to limit low-fibre foods like cheese, processed foods, sugar, greasy-foods and fat. Eat apples, strawberries, lychees or pears to increase stool volume and ease passage as they are rich in pectin. Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, bananas, whole grain breads, and honey.

Drink plenty of water – and try to decrease the intake of caffeinated, alcoholic, and sugar-rich or artificially sweetened beverages such as pop and fruit juice. We have the tendancy to increase these beverages when the temperature drops, which isn’t a good thing to do.

Exercise – Aim to get at least 30 min a day. I’ve started walking our dog around the school perimeter until the bell rings at pickup. We’re there anyway, may as well get some exercise to pass the time! This will decrease the stress as well.

Embrace routine – the fall season and back to school is a time when we get back into routine. Yet don’t forget to apply this to your sleeping patterns and time management. Getting plenty of rest and decreased stress are key!
 

Too Late for Prevention? Here’s Relief!

 
If changing your lifestyle habits aren’t enough and it’s too late for preventative measures – Get your digestive health back in check by using Dulcolax® Laxative tablets for gentle, predictable overnight relief. Speak to your doctor/pharmacist for more information.

Save on your purchase of Dulcolax® {or Dulcolax® for Women Laxative tablets} with a $5.00 off rebate coupon. Available at your local pharmacy or major retailer across Canada {excluding Quebec} until late October, simply mail-in for redemption. 

This year make this season the best time to get back into your normal routine so you can start your days off on the right foot and a happy tummy!

 
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This is a compensated post. Opinions, as always, are 100% my own.

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