Browse Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Preventing Constipation

To reduce your chance of getting constipation:

Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fiber.
Exercise regularly.
Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
In an effort to train your bowels, schedule a time daily to sit on the toilet just after a meal.
Don't rush yourself when using the bathroom.
If you feel the urge to defecate, listen to your body.

RESOURCES:

American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://www.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html

Healthy U
http://www.healthyalberta.com/

References:

American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org . Accessed June 25, 2008.

Goroll AH, Mulley AG. Primary Care Medicine . 4th ed. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2000.

What I need to know about constipation. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation_ez/ . Published December 2003. Accessed June 25, 2008.

*6/25/2008 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamicmedical.com/what.php : Thomas J, Karver S, Cooney GA, et al. Methylnaltrexone for opioid-induced constipation in advanced illness. N Engl J Med. 2008;358:2332-2343.

Last reviewed November 2007 by Kari Kassir, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Talk about it in the:
Constipation Support Group

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