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Diet - constipation - Overview

Definition of Diet - constipation:

The foods you eat may cause, worsen, or relieve constipation.

Function:

Normal stool patterns are different for everyone. Some people 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 be a chronic (long-term) problem or occur occasionally. It may result from medications, a medical condition, not enough activity, or a diet too low in fiber or fluid.

  • Reviewed last on: 7/22/2008
  • Patrika Tsai, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Clinical Professor, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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