Diet - constipation

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Fruits and vegetables

Foods we eat as part of our everyday diet may cause, worsen, or relieve constipation.

Normal stool patterns vary and are different for everyone. Some may have a bowel movement more than once a day while others may have one every other day. Normal stools should not be painful or difficult to pass.

Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements that are hard and difficult to pass. Constipation may occur chronically or occasionally. It may result from a diet too low in fiber or fluid, from inadequate activity, from a medical condition, or from medications.

Review Date: 09/02/2005
Reviewed By: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and Director ICU Quality Improvement, Critical Care Division, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.