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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Do You Suggest For Not Having BM Everyday?

I was told my a gastro Dr. about 10 years ago to add fiber con to my diet even though I eat a fiber rich diet. For years it has helped but now I have increased my intake to 6 per day and am still not having BM every day as well as eating fiber rich food like beans, greens, grains. Has my colon become lazy or normal for 60 year old female?
Thu, 20 Feb 2014
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Gastroenterologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.Ratnakar Kini and I am pleased to assist you.
For good bowel movements, three things are essential -
1. Adequate fiber intake
2. Adequate fluid intake
3. Adequate physical activity.

So take adequate fiber. You can take fiber supplements like metamucil and drink prune /apple juice. Drink enough fluids and increase your physical activity - at least 30 minutes of brisk walking per day.
Check your blood glucose level and also get thyroid function test done as diabetes and hypothyroidism can affect bowel movements. Avoid medications that worsen constipation. This includes cough syrup, opioid painkillers and antidepressants

Since you are 60 years old, I advise you to get a stool occult blood test done and if positive get a colonoscopy done to rule out obstruction caused by malignancy.
I hope that answers your question.
Regards,
Dr.Ratnakar Kini
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What Do You Suggest For Not Having BM Everyday?

Hi, Thanks for posting your query. I am Dr.Ratnakar Kini and I am pleased to assist you. For good bowel movements, three things are essential - 1. Adequate fiber intake 2. Adequate fluid intake 3. Adequate physical activity. So take adequate fiber. You can take fiber supplements like metamucil and drink prune /apple juice. Drink enough fluids and increase your physical activity - at least 30 minutes of brisk walking per day. Check your blood glucose level and also get thyroid function test done as diabetes and hypothyroidism can affect bowel movements. Avoid medications that worsen constipation. This includes cough syrup, opioid painkillers and antidepressants Since you are 60 years old, I advise you to get a stool occult blood test done and if positive get a colonoscopy done to rule out obstruction caused by malignancy. I hope that answers your question. Regards, Dr.Ratnakar Kini