Try these over-the-counter anti-diarrhea solutions: Imodium® (loperamide) or other anti-diarrheal medications. This option can be purchased as liquid or pills of varying sizes and dosages. Ask your doctor about dosage and how many pills you can take in one setting, as you may need to take a higher dosage than what's printed on the bottle for this to have an impact. Fiber supplement like Metamucil® (talk to your doctor first) Probiotics

Opioid-induced constipation may be treated cautiously with a prescribed medication. Ask your doctor about options if you think your constipation is caused by your pain medication.

Try these solutions to manage constipation with diet and lifestyle: Prunes and prune juice Exercise Insoluble fiber (like rice, barley, and many fruits and vegetables) Stay hydrated

To manage constipation with over-the-counter solutions, consider trying: Osmotic laxatives, like MiraLax®. These work by drawing water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Stimulant laxative, like Senna. These work by stimulating the colon to contract and move stool along. These may cause discomfort and abdominal cramping. Stool softener, like Colace®. These soften the stool, making it easier to pass. Bulk-forming agents, like Metamucil®. These help “bulk up” your stool, helping your body to pass it more easily. Your doctor may recommend an enema. Talk to your oncology team or primary care provider about manual fecal evaluation.

Exercise has also been proven to help reduce the risk of recurrence amongst cancer survivors, and it may help colorectal cancer patients and survivors live longer.

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" hover_type="none" first="true"][fusion_text] Multiple studies back up the idea that regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and improve the overall quality of your sleep. Additionally, exercise can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety, which can help clear your mind and prepare you for a good night's rest. [/fusion_text][fusion_button link="https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/resource/resource-library/guide-in-the-fight/lifestyle/sleep/" target="_self" aria_role_button="0" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" color="custom" button_gradient_top_color_hover="var(--awb-color4)" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="var(--awb-color4)" linear_angle="180" accent_hover_color="var(--awb-color1)" border_hover_color="var(--awb-color1)" stretch="default" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="text_slide_up" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]sleep tips[/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Exercise releases natural endorphins in your body, which makes you feel better. It may also provide a sense of accomplishment and can present an opportunity to set and achieve progressive goals. You don’t need to look like Michaelangelo’s statue of David to feel good about yourself, regular exercise is enough to get the ball rolling!

Certain types of gentle physical activity, such as yoga, may provide some relief from nausea.

Reduce the risk of weak bones (osteoporosis)

Exercise helps promote strong bones in both children and adults. It helps to strengthen muscles, supporting the skeleton, and helps make bone denser and replace old bone with new growth. If you have already been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, talk to your healthcare provider before starting an exercise regimen.

Research shows that regular exercise can help alleviate and combat depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. While it isn’t exactly clear how, it may be due the body releasing endorphins (natural “feel good” chemicals your body produces) and taking your mind off anxieties that may be bothering you.