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Suggest Treatment For Constipation And Hard Stools
Question: Hi, I am a 69 yr old woman. I have been very neglectful of my health for many years. I am now addressing my health issues. I am type 2 diabetic with high bold press and high cholesterol. Asthmatic and self diagnosed fibromyalgia. My question is what can I do for very hard bowels that I have to always manipulate out (massaging buttocks and pushing/straining). Bowels are generally long, hard and brown in color.
Brief Answer:
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I read carefully your query.I am glad that you have decided to take care of your health.
The first thing in managing constipation and hard stools is diet changes and lifestyle modifications.
-You should eat foods very rich in fibers.All plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans, contain fiber.Replace white bread, white rice, and regular pasta with whole-grain bread and whole-wheat pasta and brown rice. Eat more whole oats, multi-grain cereals, and whole-wheat crackers
-Drink plenty of fluids (2-3 l a day).
-Physical activity is very important for normal bowel movements .You should exercise every day at least 30 min (walking etc).
If these changes doesn't seem to make a difference you may take fiber supplement, Psyllium (Metamucil) .This supplement is pretty safe ,so you can use it long term.It is important to drink plenty of water when you take this.
Fibers in stool absorb water and increase the mass of stools,providing normal bowel movement.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you need further help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I read carefully your query.I am glad that you have decided to take care of your health.
The first thing in managing constipation and hard stools is diet changes and lifestyle modifications.
-You should eat foods very rich in fibers.All plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans, contain fiber.Replace white bread, white rice, and regular pasta with whole-grain bread and whole-wheat pasta and brown rice. Eat more whole oats, multi-grain cereals, and whole-wheat crackers
-Drink plenty of fluids (2-3 l a day).
-Physical activity is very important for normal bowel movements .You should exercise every day at least 30 min (walking etc).
If these changes doesn't seem to make a difference you may take fiber supplement, Psyllium (Metamucil) .This supplement is pretty safe ,so you can use it long term.It is important to drink plenty of water when you take this.
Fibers in stool absorb water and increase the mass of stools,providing normal bowel movement.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you need further help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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