Treatments for constipation part 2

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Bulk-forming laxatives (sometimes called fibre supplements)

These increase the 'bulk' of your faeces similar to fibre. They can have some effect within 12-24 hours. However, their full effect may take some days to develop. Unprocessed bran is the cheapest. You can sprinkle bran on breakfast cereals, or mix it with fruit juices, stews, soups, yoghurts, crumbles, scones, etc. Alternatives are ispaghula husk, methylcellulose and sterculia.

A note of caution: fibre and bulk-forming laxatives partly work by absorbing water (a bit like blotting paper). The combination of bulk-forming laxatives and fluid usually produces soft, bulky faeces which should be easy to pass out. When you eat a high fibre diet or take bulk-forming laxatives:

You should have plenty to drink. At least two litres per day (8-10 cups). The faeces may become dry and difficult to pass if you do not have enough to drink. Very rarely, lots of fibre or bulk-forming laxatives and not enough fluid can cause an obstruction in the gut.
You may notice an increase in wind (flatulence) and abdominal bloating. This is normal and tends to settle down after a few months as the gut becomes used to the increase in fibre (or bulk-forming laxative).

Occasionally, bulk-forming laxatives can make symptoms worse if you have very severe constipation. This is because they may cause abdominal bloating and discomfort without doing much to clear a lot of faeces which are stuck further down the gut. See a doctor if you feel that bulk-forming laxatives are making symptoms worse.