If we are completely open and honest about it, the tales of the bathroom for a diabetic can be somewhat frightening at times. Poor blood sugar control can lead to constipation, a common problem among people with diabetes. If you add to that a poor diet that is low in nutrients and fiber, you are likely sited in an uncomfortable backed up space right now. Whatever the cause for these bathroom troubles, we can all agree that it needs to go piss off.

Every body will respond differently to these tips, so it may take some trial and error on your part to get regular. Rest assured, though, that science and experience have helped us find a short list of pretty reliable remedies to bathroom troubles.

When water and fiber aren’t enough

The primary advice that is given to people suffering from constipation is to eat more fiber and drink more water. Water helps loosen the content of your bowels and carry it along, smoothly. Fiber works in a similar way and very closely with water. It binds the contents of your bowels so that the water can carry it out more easily.

If you are drinking enough water and eating your fair share of fruits and vegetables, yet you still find yourself straining to eliminate or waiting days for the urge, then here are four tips that can help your body move things along.

Move Your Body

Yes, it’s true: exercise can help, yet again. A lot of us lead very sedentary lifestyles, so our bodies don’t move all that much each day. But think of it this way: when we move our bodies, we are flushing all the liquids in a sweeping way. Every muscle contraction moves the lactic acid that gets cozy in your muscles when you rest for too long, eliminating the aches and pains that our muscles tend to have. Every step we take pumps our blood through our veins so that fresh blood is delivered to your muscles and organs faster than when sitting still.

The same goes for our bowels, too. Every movement helps the muscles push the contents just a little more forcefully than when not moving at all. Gravity also plays a role, here. When we are up and walking around, each step we take helps gravity pull the contents of our stomach just a little bit more toward the exit.

Sip Fennel Tea

Fennel is an antispasmodic, which means that it helps your soft tissue relax. This includes your intestines and bowels so that you can make a smooth bowel movement more easily!

Oil Flush

An oil flush is an experience to be sure and certainly gets things moving. The oil grabs onto everything lining your intestines and drags it out in your next bowel movement.

Light flush

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• ½ lemon, juiced

Mix together and drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Wait to eat or drink anything else for 30 minutes. Do this daily to help things stay regular.

Cleanse With Epsom Salt

Epsom salt, very different from regular table salt, has magnesium to help facilitate the cleanse. The salt absorbs water so that your stool is softer and the magnesium loosens your muscles so that you can release your bowels more easily.

Epsom Salt Cleanse

• 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt
• 1 cup of fruit juice (for taste)

Mix everything well and drink. It is best at night, a few hours after eating so that your body has all night to process. Within a few hours, though, you should feel it working!

Good luck and let us know which method works for you!