Constipation

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A person who has hard stools and has not had a bowel movement for 2 or more days is said to be constipated. Constipation is often caused by a poor diet (especially not eating enough fruits, green vegetables, or foods with natural fiber) or by lack of exercise.

Drinking more water and eating more fruits, vegetables, and foods with natural fiber like cassava or wheat bran is better than using laxatives. Older people may need to walk or exercise more in order to have regular bowel movements.

A person who has not had a bowel movement for 3 or more days, if he does not have a sharp pain in his stomach, can take a mild salt laxative like milk of magnesia. But do not take laxatives often.

Never use strong laxatives or purgatives-especially if there is stomach pain.

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