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Question: I'm not as regular as I used to be. I'm 28. This started 3 weeks ago. I go once a day still, BUT not nearly as much is evacuated as before. I have eaten more food than I have evacuated, by far. I feel like there should be more coming out. I am also pudgier than usual around my lower abdomen. How can I make sure everything is evacuated from my colon??
Brief Answer:
Constipation
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM
You are concerned about constipation issues. You have been eating a high fiber diet and not noticing and changes in your bowel habits. But along with the higher fiber you started an exercise program. The exercise program along with diet was a good thing to start. The reason for the constipation maybe from not drinking enough fluids. Along with fiber you must also be drinking plenty of fluids. The fiber in you diet retains water and then helps with elimination but if you didn't increase your fluids then you would become dehydrated and hence constipated.
I recommend that you return to high fiber, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising.
Also reduce caffeine in your diet.
Avoid alcohol
Reduce snacks or eat snack with high fiber and popcorn is a good source of fiber just be sure to use the low fat and low sodium variety.
The second issue you are concerned about is the amount of stool during bowel movements. The size of the stool is not a function of how much you eat. The size and amount of stool is more predicated on bacteria in the colon. The bulk of stool is really bacteria. These bacteria help break down food and allow for better absorption of nutrients. If you still feel you are not completely emptying you bowel I recommend using Miralax daily as a gentle laxative to help keep you regular.
Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your medical concerns and questions
Constipation
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM
You are concerned about constipation issues. You have been eating a high fiber diet and not noticing and changes in your bowel habits. But along with the higher fiber you started an exercise program. The exercise program along with diet was a good thing to start. The reason for the constipation maybe from not drinking enough fluids. Along with fiber you must also be drinking plenty of fluids. The fiber in you diet retains water and then helps with elimination but if you didn't increase your fluids then you would become dehydrated and hence constipated.
I recommend that you return to high fiber, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising.
Also reduce caffeine in your diet.
Avoid alcohol
Reduce snacks or eat snack with high fiber and popcorn is a good source of fiber just be sure to use the low fat and low sodium variety.
The second issue you are concerned about is the amount of stool during bowel movements. The size of the stool is not a function of how much you eat. The size and amount of stool is more predicated on bacteria in the colon. The bulk of stool is really bacteria. These bacteria help break down food and allow for better absorption of nutrients. If you still feel you are not completely emptying you bowel I recommend using Miralax daily as a gentle laxative to help keep you regular.
Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your medical concerns and questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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