Constipation

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Digestive system organs

Sources of fiber

Irregularity of bowels; Lack of regular bowel movements

Avoiding constipation altogether is easier than treating it, but involves the same lifestyle measures:

• Eat lots of fiber.
• Drink plenty of fluids each day (at least 8 glasses of water per day).
• Exercise regularly.
• Go to the bathroom when you have the urge. Don't wait.

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Constipation page. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/index.htm. Accessed March 23, 2005.

Bleser S, Brunton S, Carmichael B, Older K, Rasch R, Steele J. Management of chronic constipation: Recommendations from a consensus panel. J Fam Pract. 2005 Aug;54(8):691-8.

Rao SS. Constipation: evaluation and treatment. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2003; 32(2): 659-683.

Review Date: 06/16/2005
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diago, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.