Chronic constipation reconsidered
Eat fiber, right? Wrong, according to experts who say that many beliefs about constipation are off base.
In the United States, constipation results in about 2.5 million doctor visits a year. It’s one of the most common — and commonly misunderstood — gastrointestinal complaints. Many people think, for example, that anything less than a daily bowel movement means you’re suffering from constipation. But the frequency of bowel movements normally varies a great deal. Some people in perfectly fine gastro-intestinal health have several movements a day, while others have that many in a week. The defining characteristic of constipation is not how frequently you have a bowel movement but the passage of hard, dry stools, often with pain and considerable effort.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.