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(ARA) - Winter comfort foods, and special treats celebrating the arrival of spring and Easter, if you haven't been kind to your body lately, you'll definitely start feeling it. If you wake up each morning feeling bloated, constipated, or crampy, rest assured you are not alone. More than 65 million Americans suffer from digestive problems like occasional constipation, which can be exacerbated around this time of year. "We're so busy at this time of the year that many of us don't think about eating right or have time to exercise regularly, which can contribute to occasional constipation and other digestive issues," says Dr. Cynthia Yoshida, a gastroenterologist and the author of "No More Digestive Problems." "But the good news is there are simple solutions to restoring your natural balance that may surprise you. It's easy to resolve to be regular." Below are some tips for helping ease your digestive distress: 1. Be "aisle astute" at the drugstore. Dr.Yoshida urges consumers to educate themselves about over-the-counter options to treat occasional constipation. Not all laxatives are created equal: some don't work at all, and others may have harsh side effects like urgency or diarrhea, a major inconvenience at any time. Dr. Yoshida recommends MiraLAX, the No. 1 physician-recommended laxative. It's safe to use, and doesn't cause the unpleasant side effects that may come to mind when people think of the word "laxative." 2. Chuck the chewing gum. If you are on a diet, you may be tempted to pop a piece of gum at the end of a meal to prevent yourself from overeating. But there may be a better way. If you're suffering from bloating and gas, chuck the gum, which can be a hidden culprit. Or, Dr. Yoshida suggests, combat extra winter padding by being active instead: "It's cold outside, but even a brisk walk around the mall several times a week can shed those pounds you gained over the winter season. 3. Vanquish the vitamins. If you're experiencing problems with occasional constipation or diarrhea, it may be due to some vitamins and supplements. Multivitamins containing iron and calcium supplements can both cause constipation, and vitamin C - a popular choice in winter months - can cause diarrhea and gas. If you're regularly taking one or more of these supplements and suffering from digestive issues, try adding foods rich in these nutrients into your diet (like orange juice for vitamin C) instead. For more suggestions on ways to help restore your regularity this year, visit MiraLAX.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent
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