Mild exercise, like walking for twenty minutes three times a week, helps to keep your bowels moving. If you have joints that hurt, mild exercise in a swimming pool will keep you healthy while the water helps support you. A diet low in fiber can cause constipation by decreasing the size and water content of stools produced. Most of us eat about 8 to 10 grams of fiber per day, which is not enough. At least 25 to 30 grams of fiber should be eaten each day.
Dietary fiber is found in plant foods.
When increasing the fiber in your diet, it is best to do so slowly because fiber can cause gas and bloating. Start with small changes, and add a new source of fiber each week or two. Your body will adjust in time. The benefits of fiber far outweigh the initial discomfort. Some drugs may slow down the speed of your bowels.