What can I do to ease and to prevent constipation?
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- Eat plenty of fibre by eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, cereals, fruit juice, wholemeal bread, etc. (Note: a high fibre diet can make the situation worse in some people with severe longstanding constipation. But this is rare. See below in the section 'bulk forming laxatives' for an explanation.)
- Have plenty to drink - at least two litres (about 8-10 cups) of fluid per day. You will pass much of the fluid as urine, but some is passed out in the gut and softens the faeces. Most sorts of drink will do, but alcoholic drinks can be dehydrating and may not be so good.
- Exercise regularly if possible. Keeping your body active helps to keep your gut active.
- Toileting. Do not ignore the feeling of needing the toilet. Some people suppress this feeling if they are busy. It may result in a backlog of faeces forming that are difficult to pass later.
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