Constipation

Constipation is when a person has infrequent or hard to pass bowel movements, has hard stools, or feels like their bowel movements are incomplete. Most of the time, constipation can be treated medically. It may be normal to have some constipation at times. In most cases, constipation is a symptom rather than a disease. Common causes of constipation include dietary choices, medications, irritable bowel syndrome, poor bowel habits or pelvic floor dysfunction. At home, diet is key. Eat a well-balanced diet with whole-grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. We recommend drinking plenty of water and ensuring an adequate amount of fiber in the diet. Exercise regularly. Set aside time after breakfast or dinner to use the restroom. Go use the restroom when the urge strikes rather than ignoring it. When these daily habits may be insufficient, adding supplemental fiber, stool softeners or laxatives may be beneficial.