Constipation/staying regular

"Low fat" and "low sodium diets are all the craze these days. While these dietary considerations are important in day-to-day meal choices, don't forget a stalwart of a healthy diet: fibre. The majority of Canadians are estimated to fall short of the recommended daily intake of between 21 and 38 grams of fibre per day by as much as half.

When you think about getting more fibre, you probably think of eating more beans, fruits and vegetables and whole grains (all good choices). In fact, one of the best sources of soluble fibre is psyllium, pronounced "sil-ee-um," and it is derived from the husks of seeds of Plantago ovata. Eating psyllium can do more than help keep you regular - it may help you lower your cholesterol.

Spend a lot of time thinking about when your last bowel movement was? Constipation is actually a pretty common gastrointestinal health problem. Up to 80 percent of people are estimated to suffer from it at some point during their lives. Taking measures to stay regular will make living more pleasant, and certain types of fibre can offer additional health benefits such as reducing your cholesterol.

Are you experiencing bowel movements that are hard and dry, less frequent than usual, and difficult or painful to pass? If you answered "yes" to any of these, you may be experiencing constipation. Occasional constipation affects almost everyone, especially adults, and females in particular.

When you realize you're constipated, getting some exercise, eating more fibre, and drinking lots and lots of water usually helps. But what do you do when this is just not enough? There are other options you can choose from to give you relief. Laxatives - products that relieve constipation - are commonly used, and there are many kinds available.

The best way to manage constipation is to prevent it. There are a number of preventative options to choose from. Dietary changes such as increasing fluids and dietary fibre can help you stay regular. Fibre comes in two types: soluble, found in fruits and vegetables, and insoluble, found in grains, legumes, and some laxatives.

Constipation is common in children, but there are a few things you can do to prevent it from happening.

There are a number of simple ways to prevent constipation.