If you have fewer than three bowel movements weekly, you may be suffering from constipation, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Although it's not an illness, constipation is a symptom of an underlying disorder, often a poor diet. Talk to your doctor if you have abdominal pain, blood in the stools, unexplained weight loss or if you are still constipated after altering your diet.
Symptoms/Complications
In addition to infrequent bowel movements, if you're constipated, passing stool may be difficult or painful. Due to a lack of moisture, stools become hard, increasing the risk of developing hemorrhoids and tiny anal tears. If you cannot pass a large hard stool, fecal impaction may occur, according to the Mayo Clinic. Impaction is a painful condition in which large amounts of fecal matter accumulate in the bowels, sometimes requiring manual removal.
Relief from Food
What you eat plays a vital role in your digestive system. Foods that contain plenty of fiber are essential for fighting constipation, reports the Family Doctor website. Fiber, a non-digestible food source, attracts and holds moisture within fecal matter, making stools bulkier, softer and easier to pass.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber is abundant in many wholesome foods, including whole wheat bread products and cereals, unrefined breakfast cereal products, traditional brown rice, beans and legumes. Fruits and vegetables---especially apricots, figs and prunes---are also good sources of fiber.
Liquids
Medline Plus, a division of the National Institutes of Health, advises patients to drink ample liquids every day. Although fluid requirements differ, depending upon your weight and activity level, drink at least eight glasses of water or other non-caffeinated beverages daily. Offer children prune juice or apple juice diluted with water if they find plain water disagreeable.
Avoid Diet Triggers
Over-processed junk foods and convenience foods are typically low in fiber. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends limiting low fibers foods, such as ice cream, meats, cheeses and other dairy products and processed foods.
