Constipation
FAQ

There is a wide range of “normal” when it comes to bowel movements. Everyone’s normal is different. The average person can go anywhere from three times a day to three times a week. It is important to know what is normal for you, so you can recognize when you are experiencing constipation.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to help prevent constipation. Adding high-fibre foods, including oats, wheat bran and brown rice, to your diet can help. Natural fibre is also found in apples, apricots, blackberries, prunes, raw carrots, kale and peas. Staying active and exercising to your ability can help keep things moving along. Make sure to consult a doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. And the easiest tip: Drink plenty of water and other liquids.

Some common causes of constipation can include lack of exercise, diet, stress, travel or any other changes in your daily routine.

Sometimes constipation can just be caused by a slower digestive system. It is also easy to resist the urge to go to the bathroom, especially when things get busy. The unfortunate result: postponing a bowel movement may actually contribute to irregularity.

Some medical conditions and various medications can contribute to constipation. Some common types of medications could include: weight lost drugs, pain medications, antacids that contain aluminum or calcium, antispasmodic drugs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and supplements containing iron or calcium. Check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding how your medications might be affecting your digestive health.

Please contact your doctor. Do not take any type of laxative for more than one (1) week, unless recommended by a doctor.

Constipation, or irregularity, occurs when a person’s bowel movements become difficult or when they occur less frequently than the person is used to. Constipation may occur when stool moves slowly through the colon, which could allow too much water to be removed. This can make the stool hard, dry and difficult to pass. Normal stools are soft and formed, and passed without straining. 

You may experience additional symptoms beyond difficulty with bowel movements, such as abdominal discomfort, gas, bloating, and even fatigue, achiness or irritability.