Find out more about constipation by taking this quiz.
1. Your healthcare provider may diagnose constipation if you have fewer than 3 bowel movements a week.
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Other symptoms of constipation include hard stools that are difficult to pass, or a sensation of incomplete evacuation.
2. Certain medicines can cause constipation.
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The list of medicines that may cause constipation includes antidepressants, antacids containing aluminum or calcium, iron supplements, anticonvulsants for epilepsy, pain medicines (especially opioids), tranquilizers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure and heart conditions, and medicines to treat Parkinson disease.
3. What you eat has no effect on constipation.
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If you don't eat many fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, constipation can occur. High-fat meats, dairy products, eggs, sugary sweets and processed fast foods also can cause constipation. To help prevent constipation, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, and more whole-grain cereals and breads. Dried fruits such as apricots, prunes, and figs are especially high in fiber.
4. Healthy teeth are helpful for preventing constipation.
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If your teeth are in poor shape, you may choose soft, processed foods to eat. Those foods don't contain much fiber.
5. Drinking enough water is important to prevent constipation.
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Older adults sometimes don't drink enough fluids, especially if they are not eating regular meals. Water and other liquids such as naturally sweetened fruit and vegetable juices and soup broth add bulk to stools, making bowel movements easier. Make sure to drink enough fluid every day to prevent dehydration. Check with your healthcare provider on the amount that's right for you, especially if you have heart, blood vessel, or kidney problems. Be aware that some people become constipated from drinking large amounts of cow's milk.
6. Laxatives are safe to use.
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Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about which laxatives are safe for you to use and how to safely use them. Laxatives are safe to use for constipation, but not meant for long-term use. It's not true that they are habit forming. If you need to use laxatives often, talk with your provider about other ways to treat constipation such as drinking more water and other liquids, getting more exercise, and adding more fiber or fiber supplements to your diet. You may take over-the-counter laxatives sometimes. But they should not be taken for longer than 1 week unless your provider advises this. Laxatives may interfere with medicines or may cause electrolyte imbalances in your body. Some people take mineral oil or castor oil safely in small amounts to help with constipation. But they should not be used often. Don't take mineral or castor oil if you have problems swallowing. It can be dangerous if the oil goes into your lungs (aspirated). Talk with your provider right away if you have other symptoms with your constipation, such as belly (abdominal) pain or black or bloody stools. Also talk with your provider if your symptoms don't go away even after adding fiber to your diet and drinking more water.
7. You should try for a bowel movement every day.
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Keep in mind that regularity differs from person to person. If your bowel movements are usually painless and occur regularly (whether 2 times a day or 3 times a week), then you are probably not constipated.
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