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Constipation means difficulty having a bowel movement. This may be a simple definition that encompasses hard stool when trying to pass it to not having a bowel movement at all.
That is the magic question but know that a normal bowel movement is different for each person. Some people have them 3 times a day while others have them only 3 times a week. I’ve seen an advertisement for laxatives trying to convince you that 3 times a day is normal for everybody and I shake my head each time.A normal bowel movement should be soft, hold its shape and be easy to pass (no straining).
Constipation can be caused by many things, including prescription and nonprescription medications. If you take medication, check with your health-care provider to see if it could be making you constipated. Constipation is often due to simple factors such as not going to the bathroom when you have the urge.
Drink at least 6-8 glasses (8 ounces or 250 mLeach) of water daily.
Eat a balanced diet that is high in fibre andincludes fruit, vegetables, and bran. Foods high in fibre include 100% brancereal, beans, peas, raspberries and broccoli.
Exercise regularly.
Try to have a bowel movement at the same time each day. For many people, the best time is shortly after breakfast.- Go to the bathroom when you have the urge;waiting will cause problems. Do not rush; take time to pass the entire stool.
The most natural way to regulate your bowels is by eating a healthy diet and following the tips shown above. Sometimes,however, you may need a laxative. The safest laxative for most people is abulkforming laxative such as psyllium. It should work within 3 days. If this is too long to wait, other laxatives are available that work more quickly,such as suppositories. Do not use laxatives for more than a week unless your health-care provider tells you to do this. Talk to your health-care provider about which laxative is best for you.
If you are constipated and you have not had a bowel movement for 7 days or (see your pharmacist first)
You are extremely uncomfortable because you are constipated, or (see your pharmacist first)
You have pain in your rectum (back passage) or rectal bleeding, or (see your doctor)You have a fever, your belly hurts or you feel like throwing up(see you doctor!)
Your bowel movements are thin as a pencil, or (see your doctor)
You have a problem with your bowels that lasts longer than 2 weeks or keeps coming back. (see your pharmacist first)-
I would suggest you speak to your pharmacist first as the majority of products are available over the counter. If he does his job right, he will ask you a bunch for uncomfortable questions and will suggest 2 or 3 product to hit the problem at different levels of your gut.
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