Constipation

Diet

A diet of bran (especially rice bran), fluids, prunes and hot coffee - regular or decaffeinated. Begin slowly adding fiber (bran) a little at a time to allow your system time to adjust. Fluid is essential because fiber will absorb a lot. Fluids will help to bulk up the bran. The number of prunes to take varies with individual's constitution. Coffee: Six ounces in the morning, on an empty stomach.

How it Works

Bran's rough edges stimulate the nerve endings in the bowel, increasing colonic movement. Bran also increases stool bulk. In case of prunes, it may be the fiber, or it may be the very high sorbitol content. Sorbitol is an indigestible sugar alcohol. Coffee: Unknown, but the effect can be almost immediate, so it is speculated that it is not the fluid, but rather a chemical in coffee, but not the caffeine. It is more effective for women than for men.

Fiber can be found in grains, legumes, fruits, oatmeal, rice, wheat germ, corn bran, prunes, raisins, apricots, figs and 'an apple a day'.

Other Recourses

These Work

Drinking lots of water. Keep your body active - walking and exercising definitely help. Train yourself to stick to a schedule of meals, sleep and most importantly, moving your bowels.

These Don't

Eating milk and cheese. Coffee, tea and alcohol (basically diuretics) can leave the body dehydrated. Painkillers and aluminum-containing antacids could be a major contributing factor in constipation.