Consumer Reports: A Guide to Staying Regular

Consumer Reports recently interviewed gastroenterologist Mark Pimentel, MD, professor of Medicine and executive director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars-Sinai, about ways to relieve constipation.

Bowel habits can change as people age. One in three people over 60 experience constipation, often due to reduced physical activity, medications or age-related bowel muscle changes.

Pimentel told Consumer Reports that sometimes, however, these new bowel habits can signal a serious health condition.

“If something changes one month to another, it can sometimes be a sign of problems that are not part of natural aging,” Pimentel said.

Symptoms of constipation include hard, dry or lumpy stools; straining when passing stools; and the feeling that more stool needs to be passed.

Constipation can often be relieved by avoiding triggering foods, staying hydrated, and increasing fiber intake with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans that can help soften the stool. However, Pimentel told Consumer Reports that in certain situations, such as when constipation is caused by medications or involves straining, fiber can trigger uncomfortable gas or bloating.

Exercise can help get bowels moving, as can certain foods, including prunes and items that promote healthy gut bacteria, like yogurt or kefir.

If these lifestyle changes do not make a difference, the position one uses on the toilet can even help. Pimentel recommended placing feet on a footstool to lift the knees above the hips and into a modified squat to help stools pass more easily.

Click here to read the complete article in Consumer Reports.