These nutrients are important for providing calories, as well as repairing the muscle tissue that's broken down by exercise. In fact, constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States, resulting in about 2 million annual visits to the doctor. Many people assume that they re constipated when they don t have a daily bowel movement, says Dr. Craig Rubin, professor of internal medicine and head of geriatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. But everyone has different bowel habits. A normal pattern for one person may not be for someone else.
Constipation occurs when the over absorption of water by the colon causes hard, dry stools.
To keep regular, gradually add fresh vegetables, fruits and fiber to your diet. And keep active. If constipation persists for more than two weeks, consult your primary care physician.