A person may have constipation at times when habits are disrupted normal life: travel, change of diet, taking medication, stress, emotional trauma.

Constipation may be more lasting or chronic, may be due to poor diet with low amounts of fiber, little fluid intake, sedentary lifestyle, misuse of laxatives, or custom of not responding to the urge to defecate when the need arises, also due to pregnancy or aging. Some cases constipation can be due to an illness, and must be diagnosed.

General Care:

- Limit foods diet containing no fiber or hardening of feces, sweets, cheeses, rice, etc …

- Take every day vegetables (preferably raw), fruits, vegetables and wholemeal bread. This diet is rich in fiber and helps retain water, thus more liquid stools.

- Drink plenty of fluids, at least two liters.

- Eat slowly and chew food. Try to eat at regular times.

- Educate the gut, not suppress the need to evacuate ever. Getting used to go to the toilet to a regular schedule, trying to go with time and never rushed. Avoid excessive stress in the evacuation, bowel it is responsible for this work.

- Make exercising moderately every day, particularly in the abdominal muscles involved (walking, cycling, etc …)

- Avoid irritating laxative use, continued use can cause intestinal and habit forming.