Constipation
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"I had a hard time going to the bathroom. I also had cramps and gas. Drinking lots of water and eating high-fiber foods, like fruit and whole-grain bread, helped me." |
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Are you having bowel movements that come less often than normal for you, are painful, or are hard to pass? This is called "constipation."
Let your doctor or nurse know
if you have not had a bowel movement in 2 days or if you
have pain in your rectal area. |
- Whole-grain breads and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Nuts, seeds, and popcorn
- Most people need to drink at least 8 cups of liquid every day. Water is a good choice. So are fruit and vegetable juices, such as prune juice.
- Warm liquids such as coffee or tea may help.
- Walk or ride an exercise bike for
15 to 30 minutes a day.
- Talk with your doctor to learn about other exercises that can help you.
Breads and grains |
Fruits and vegetables |
Snacks |
- Bran muffins
- Bran or whole-grain cereals
- Brown or wild rice
- Cooked, dried peas and beans (such as pinto, black, red,
or kidney)
- Whole-wheat
bread
- Whole-wheat
pasta and tortillas
|
- Dried fruit, such as apricots, dates, prunes, and raisins
- Fresh fruit, such as apples, blueberries, and grapes
- Raw or cooked
vegetables, such as
broccoli, corn,
green beans,
peas, and
spinach
|
- Granola
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Seeds, such as sunflower
|
Ask your doctor or nurse which foods are best for you. |
- What problems should I call you about?
- Should I write down each time I have a bowel movement?
- How much liquid should I drink each day?
- What medicines are okay for me to take?
- What exercises can help me?
- Can you give me the name of a nutritionist, so I can learn more about foods that might help me?
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National Cancer Institute
Cancer Information Service
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