Baylor Health Care System
 

Diet - constipation

Definition

Foods we eat as part of our everyday diet may cause, worsen, or relieve constipation.

Function

Normal stool patterns vary and are different for everyone. Some may have a bowel movement more than once a day while others may have one every other day. Normal stools should not be painful or difficult to pass.

Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements that are hard and difficult to pass. Constipation may occur chronically or occasionally. It may result from a diet too low in fiber or fluid, from inadequate activity, from a medical condition, or from medications.

Review Date: 8/8/2007
Reviewed By: Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, family physician specializing in nutrition, fitness, and preventive health, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, and Assistant Clinical Professor, St. Louis University's School of Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine.

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