How To Prevent Bloating And Constipation While Supporting Your Immune System

Constipation and bloating can wreak havoc on your day, leaving you not only uncomfortable but inconvenienced by frequent and sometimes painful trips to the restroom. Both can be a result of underlying medical conditions or changes to your diet and while uncomfortable, are both incredibly common as well as treatable. There are several easy methods for combatting bloating and constipation, and one of these even has the bonus side effect of boosting your immune system in the process!  

You can easily prevent bloating and constipation while also supporting your immune system through the strategic use of supplements, such as Harmonify Body Detox Cleanse, that naturally ease digestion through the use of vitamins, probiotics, and other natural ingredients.

Read on to learn more about the common causes and remedies for constipation and bloating, as well as gentle and natural solutions that both aid digestion and support your immune system. 

Constipation is a symptom that results in not having a bowel movement, or having infrequent, too small, difficult, and possibly uncomfortable bowel movements. This can include feeling like you have to pass a complete bowel movement but are unable to, not having bowel movements regularly or often enough (generally less than three per week), significant straining when having or attempting to have a bowel movement, and/or passing hard stools.  

This inability to pass stools can lead to blockages that prevent you from passing gas or air, and can also lead to retaining even more gas as stool trapped in the intestines allow bacteria to release more gas inside of you. All of this excess trapped gas inside of you is bloating – a feeling of being very full, gassy, and possibly even slightly swollen or visibly distended near your digestive organs.  

Bloating and constipation can lead to other symptoms, including back pain and side pain caused by the excess internal pressure, or even nausea. This overall body discomfort (and concern for your body not functioning normally) can then cause increased anxiety and stress as well. 

Generally, while uncomfortable, constipation and bloating are normal but unfortunate parts of human life and easily treatable. But if these symptoms become severe, you should consult a healthcare professional for additional treatment.  

Four common causes of constipation and bloating 

Constipation and bloating in and of themselves are not an illness, but usually a symptom of another issue. There are many factors that can contribute to a buildup of excess gas and stool, but the four most common ones include: 

• Medical conditions – certain conditions like lactose intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux disease, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome can result in these symptoms
• Certain medications – some common medications can have constipation and bloating as a side effect, including NSAIDS (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen), iron supplements, anti-depressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines, calcium blockers, antacids and more. Check the label and consult a doctor to see if this might be the cause of your symptoms.    
• Swallowing excess air – this is easier to do than you might think! Eating or drinking too quickly, consuming carbonated drinks like sodas and seltzers, and even chewing gum can all lead to swallowing extra air that can build up in your digestive track over time. 
• Certain foods and beverages – None of the following foods and beverages need to be totally avoided, but it is best to consume them in moderation, and scale back consumption if you start to experience symptoms. These can include:
• Dairy products – milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream
• Lactose products – certain breads, salad dressings, and cereals containing dairy products
• Particular fruits – apples, cherries, peaches, and pears can all be culprits
• Certain beverages – juices containing any of the above fruits as a key ingredient as well as carbonated drinks
• High-fructose corn syrup – found in a variety of sweet foods and drinks
• Certain vegetables – there are many, but particularly heavy hitters include cauliflower, mushrooms, beans, onions, and artichokes
• Sugar alternatives – sugar-free products with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, mannitol, or sorbitol  

Now that we’ve identified some of the common causes, read on for more information on how to treat constipation and bloating, as well as how to prevent it, including a list of supplements and cleanse like the Harmonify Body Detox Cleanse.  

How to treat constipation and bloating

Treating constipation and bloating generally involves treating the underlying condition that is causing these uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms. Generally, following one of the following routes will help you start to feel better within just a few days. 

Lifestyle changes 

The simplest (and least expensive) way to combat bloating and constipation is by adjusting your daily routine and making some healthier choices. Increasing physical activity can help get things moving – literally – including your stool. You can also consider making dietary changes, paying special attention to the foods and beverages listed above as potential causes, and temporarily reducing your consumption of them. These changes don’t need to be permanent, but you can do it in moderation and make adjustments again once your symptoms subside. Listening to your own body is key.  

Over-the-counter treatments 

There are several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for constipation and bloating that do not require a prescription from a doctor and can be easily purchased at a pharmacy, grocery store, or other retail location. They include:

• Gentle laxatives – common brands include Dulcolax (bisacodyl), Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350), and Olly’s “Keep It Moving” (rhubarb, prunes, and Indian gooseberry)
• Stool softeners and fiber supplements – common brands include Metamucil (psyllium), Colace (docusate sodium), Benefiber (wheat dextrin), Regular Girl (sunfiber), and Citrucel (methylcellulose)
• Simethicone – if bloating and gas are your main issue, this is effective, available in brands like Gas-X, Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylanta Gas, Equalizer Gas Relief, Phazyme, and Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas
• Lactase supplements – these help if your constipation and bloating symptoms are due to lactose intolerance, and are available in brands such as Lactaid and Digestive Advantage 

If symptoms persist despite these over-the-counter treatments, it may be time to consult a doctor for a prescription solution. 

Prescription treatments 

Doctor-prescribed medications to help treat constipation and bloating can be stronger and more effective than over-the-counter solutions, and physicians can also help you get to the root cause of your problems instead of just treating the symptoms. Prescription treatments for these issues can include:  

• Lubiprostone (Amitiza) 
• Lactulose (Cephulac,Constulose, Duphalac, Enulose, Kristalose).
• Linaclotide (Linzess)
• Prucalopride (Motegrity)

Each of the above increases fluid in the bowels to increase the passage of stool   

How to prevent constipation and bloating

Treatment and prevention are not always the same – while treatment refers to the practice of addressing a problem after it has occurred (or during its occurrence), prevention is more about taking active steps to stop a problem from happening again, often before it has even started. In the case of constipation and bloating, prevention is key for a healthy digestive tract. Certain lifestyle changes can help prevent these issues, including: 

• Regular physical activity – moving your body through regular, gentle exercise such as walking can help keep your bowels moving too!
• Drink more water – drinking water reducing constipation by adding bulk to your stool. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately eight glasses of water per day is a good standard for most adults. 
• Don’t smoke – among the many health hazards caused by smoking, it also can increase gastrointestinal issues like bloating and constipation 
• Increase your fiber intake – slowly increasing fiber in your diet can bulk up your stool and make it easier to pass. But be careful – adding in too much fiber all at once can make bloating much worse. 
• Take supplements to prevent future symptoms  

All of the above lifestyle adjustments are simple but crucial ways to prevent future discomfort from bloating and constipation. But for the last one – taking supplements – there are many options available on the market. How do you know which one is right for you? Read on to learn more about the world of digestive supplements as we break down the different pathways available. 

How supplements for digestion also support your immune system 

Many people who suffer from regular or persistent constipation and bloating take vitamins and safe natural supplements as a preventative measure against future flare-ups. These good-for-you vitamins and herbs also have the added benefit of supporting your immune system and overall health and wellbeing. Common supplements to treat constipation and bloating include:  

• Psyllium, which improves water retention in stool, is the active ingredient in Metamucil
• Digestive enzymes
• Magnesium, which draws water into the stool to loosen it
• Probiotics, made of bacteria (Bifidobacterium) which reside in the intestines and aid digestion
• Fiber, which softens stool so that it is easier to pass
• Vitamin D, proven to reduce inflammation and bloating 
• Buckthorn, also known as cascarda sagrada, a tree extract that is a natural laxative 
• Ginger, a flowering plant (and popular spice) 
• Aloe vera, which can increase colon mucus excretion and act as a laxative
• Senna, an herbal laxative 

Most of these supplements can be taken daily and are gentle on one’s digestive system. That said, always use these methods in moderation and consult a doctor before changing your vitamin and supplement regimen, especially if looking to take any of these in combination with others. 

There are several products on the market that actually combine several of the above supplements to pack a safe, powerful, constipation-fighting and immune-boosting punch! One of the most notable products is the Harmonify Body Detox Cleanse. 

How does the Harmonify Body Detox Cleanse fight constipation and support your immune system?  

Harmonify Body Detox Cleanse is made up of 40+ natural ingredients that help with constipation, support the reduction of gas and bloating, help improve digestion, and promote overall immune support. This GMP-certified supplement is non-GMO, gluten free, and vegan, perfectly crafted for a healthy lifestyle. Key ingredients like senna, ginger, and milk thistle are commonly used to treat and prevent constipation and bloating as noted above, while other key Harmonify Body Detox Cleanse ingredients like golden seal, Irish moss, and echinacea, fight bacteria that can cause disease, boosting your immunity.  

As mentioned above, probiotics are a key factor in preventative medicine for a well-functioning digestive system. Harmonify Body Detox Cleanse contains two key probiotics, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, to nurture gut flora. The natural bowel stimulants in the medicine and gentle but effective at “keeping things moving” and the natural herbs support an overall sense of energy and well-being.    

The supplement is easy to incorporate into your lifestyle, taken twice daily (before breakfast and dinner) with a glass of water. Harmonify Body Detox Cleanse is available to purchase now on Amazon.  

What to do when constipation and bloating are severe 

If constipation and bloating symptoms become severe or persistent, it’s time to consult a doctor or other healthcare provider. Signals that it’s time to see a doctor can include sudden changes in your symptoms, unexplained and significant weight loss, frequent bouts of constipation that are not aided by the methods as described earlier in this article, or persistent gas and bloating. You may be suffering from an underlying chronic condition that is easily treatable through a combination of prescribed medication and lifestyle changes. 

Be sure to track your exact symptoms and note any over-the-counter treatments you have explored, so that you can thoroughly explain your experience to your doctor, who can help determine what is going on and address your specific symptoms.  

Don’t let constipation and bloating ruin your day by causing discomfort and lengthy, frequent, painful trips to the restroom. Fortunately, constipation and bloating are easily treatable symptoms of common underlying conditions. Instituting lifestyle changes like increasing your fiber intake, maintaining regular physical activity, stopping smoking, and avoiding trigger foods and beverages can be a good solution. And by pursuing preventative treatments like over-the-counter medicines, prescription treatments, and digestive and immunity-boosting supplements like Harmonify Body Detox Cleanse, you can give yourself the gift of a healthy, cleansed intestinal tract. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for treatment and guidance.