Hey members. Can anyone make a suggestion? I can't seem to find a remedy for my inability to have regular bowel movements. I generally eliminate about three or four times a week, even though I maintain a very healthy diet, high in fiber, lots of fruits and vegetables, not a lot of meat. I've tried various powder remedies that one finds in the health food store, but they just give me cramps and diarhea. Any thoughts?
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Poor bowel function
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Do you drink enough water (7 or 8 cups a day, more if you sweat a lot)? Do you exercise?
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I drink a lot of water, yes. I fill a gallon in the morning, and that's my supply for the day. I do walk alot, fifty city blocks to work each day. I just started doing some light weight-work.
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Walking (or running) is the exercise you need to keep the bowels moving. It sounds like you're doing everything right. You could try what HelmsmaN suggested. Are you having any cramps or discomfort, or are you just concerned that you're not going every day?
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No cramping, I just feel really, really bloated. It's uncomfortable. The oatmeal thing sounds good. I'll give that a shot. Thanks
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Sounds good. I'll give it a shot.Thanks!
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Has it always been that way, or have your bowel habits changed recently?
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The bloating I'd say in the past year or so. I only just started attributing it to infrequent bowel movements, though. As far as the number of bowel movements I'd take, I'm not really sure. I've gotten much more conscious about my body and what I eat only as I've gotten older. It's not something to which I used to pay much attention.
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I'm not sure that a BM only every 3 or 4 days is abnormal, but if you actually are getting a bloated feeling or other symptoms (and maybe even if you're not), it's worth a discussion with the doctor, especially if you haven't seen him/her in a long time. If I went days without a BM, then I'd be seriously concerned about a blockage of some sort. In your case, that's probably not an issue...but still....
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46
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I'll do that.I appreciate your input. Thanks so much.
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You are very close to the age where you should have a routine colonoscopy. Changed bowel habits is an indication for that test. You might want to discuss it with your doctor. (A colonoscopy should be done by a gastroenterologist.)