How can mineral oil alleviate constipation symptoms. What are the proper dosages for adults and children. Are there any potential side effects or precautions to consider. Discover the benefits and proper usage of mineral oil as a gentle laxative solution.

Understanding Constipation: Causes and Symptoms

Constipation is a common digestive issue characterized by infrequent bowel movements, typically fewer than three per week. This condition occurs when the movement of stool through the bowels slows down, resulting in dry and hard stools that are difficult to pass. While occasional constipation is normal, some individuals experience it regularly, leading to discomfort and potential health concerns.

Several factors can contribute to constipation, including:

• Dehydration
• Lack of dietary fiber
• Certain medications
• Thyroid disorders
• Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease
• Weakened pelvic muscles
• Pregnancy
• Aging

Recognizing the symptoms of constipation is crucial for timely intervention. These may include:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Hard or lumpy stools
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating
• Reduced appetite

Mineral Oil: A Time-Tested Remedy for Constipation

Mineral oil has long been used as an effective treatment for constipation. As a lubricant laxative, it works by coating the stool and intestinal walls with moisture, preventing the stool from drying out and making it easier to pass. This gentle approach to relieving constipation has made mineral oil a popular choice among those seeking natural remedies.

Is mineral oil safe for treating constipation? Generally, yes. When used as directed, mineral oil is considered safe and effective for most people. However, it’s essential to follow proper dosage guidelines and be aware of potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

Forms of Mineral Oil for Constipation Relief

Mineral oil is available in several forms to suit different preferences and needs:

• Liquid: Can be taken orally or mixed with water or other beverages
• Oral capsules: Offer a convenient, pre-measured dose
• Enema: Delivered directly into the rectum for faster relief

Proper Usage and Dosage Guidelines

To maximize the effectiveness of mineral oil for constipation relief, it’s crucial to follow proper usage guidelines:

1. Timing: Take mineral oil before bedtime, as it typically takes about 8 hours to work.
2. Avoid meals: Do not take mineral oil with food, as it can interfere with nutrient absorption.
3. Medication interactions: Wait at least 2 hours after taking other medications before using mineral oil.

Dosage recommendations vary depending on age and the specific product used:

• Adults: 15-45 ml orally, depending on the product
• Children under 6: 15-30 ml orally, but consult a pediatrician first
• Children over 6: Follow product instructions or consult a doctor

Why is it important to consult a healthcare provider before giving mineral oil to children? Children’s digestive systems are more sensitive, and there may be risks associated with accidental inhalation or overuse. A pediatrician can provide personalized advice based on the child’s age, weight, and overall health.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While mineral oil is generally safe, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and take necessary precautions:

• Rectal leakage: Some unabsorbed oil may leak, causing irritation
• Interference with nutrient absorption: Avoid long-term use
• Respiratory issues: Accidental inhalation can lead to pneumonia
• Allergic reactions: Though rare, seek medical attention if symptoms occur

Who should avoid using mineral oil for constipation? Pregnant women, individuals with swallowing difficulties, and those with certain medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using mineral oil. Additionally, it’s not recommended for long-term use without medical supervision.

Alternative Treatments for Constipation

While mineral oil can be effective, there are various other treatments available for constipation:

• Fiber supplements
• Stool softeners
• Osmotic laxatives
• Stimulant laxatives
• Enemas
• Prescription medications

How do these alternatives compare to mineral oil? Each type of laxative works differently and may be more suitable for certain individuals or specific cases of constipation. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment option.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Constipation

Preventing constipation through lifestyle modifications can reduce the need for laxatives like mineral oil. Consider incorporating these habits:

• Increase fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Exercise regularly to promote bowel movements
• Establish a consistent bathroom routine
• Avoid holding in bowel movements
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques

How effective are these lifestyle changes in preventing constipation? Many individuals find significant relief from constipation by implementing these habits consistently. However, results may vary, and some cases may require additional medical intervention.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional constipation is common, certain situations warrant medical attention:

• Persistent constipation lasting more than a week
• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea
• Constipation accompanied by fever

Why is it crucial to consult a healthcare provider in these situations? These symptoms may indicate underlying health conditions that require professional evaluation and treatment. Prompt medical attention can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate management.

The Role of Diet in Managing Constipation

A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Consider incorporating these dietary changes:

• Increase fiber intake gradually to avoid bloating
• Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir
• Limit processed foods and those high in fat
• Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas

How much fiber should one consume daily to prevent constipation? The recommended daily fiber intake is 25-30 grams for adults. However, individual needs may vary based on age, gender, and overall health status.

Fiber-Rich Foods to Include in Your Diet

Incorporating these fiber-rich foods can help promote regular bowel movements:

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens)
• Berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)
• Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas)
• Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice)
• Nuts and seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds, almonds)
• Dried fruits (prunes, figs, apricots)

Exercise and Physical Activity for Digestive Health

Regular physical activity can significantly improve digestive function and help prevent constipation. Exercise stimulates the natural contractions of intestinal muscles, promoting the movement of waste through the colon. Consider incorporating these activities into your routine:

• Brisk walking
• Jogging or running
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Yoga or Pilates
• Strength training

How much exercise is needed to promote digestive health? Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Even short bursts of activity throughout the day can be beneficial.

Specific Exercises to Alleviate Constipation

Certain exercises can target the abdominal area and help stimulate bowel movements:

• Abdominal massage
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Deep breathing exercises
• Squats
• Child’s pose (yoga)
• Cat-cow stretch

The Impact of Stress on Digestive Health

Stress can have a significant impact on digestive function, often leading to constipation or exacerbating existing symptoms. The gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in this relationship, as stress can alter gut motility and secretion patterns. Managing stress is therefore essential for maintaining healthy bowel habits.

How does stress contribute to constipation? Stress can slow down digestion, decrease intestinal movement, and cause muscle tension in the abdominal area, all of which can lead to constipation.

Stress Management Techniques for Better Digestive Health

Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can help improve digestive function and reduce the risk of constipation:

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Time management and prioritization
• Engaging in hobbies and leisure activities

Hydration and Its Role in Preventing Constipation

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Water helps soften stools and promotes their movement through the intestines. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

How much water should one drink to prevent constipation? While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to drink at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day. However, factors such as climate, activity level, and overall health may influence hydration needs.

Hydration Tips for Optimal Digestive Health

• Carry a reusable water bottle to encourage regular sipping
• Set reminders to drink water throughout the day
• Consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can contribute to dehydration
• Drink herbal teas or infused water for variety
• Monitor urine color as an indicator of hydration status

The Role of Probiotics in Digestive Health

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. These microorganisms can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote regular bowel movements. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet may help alleviate constipation and support overall digestive health.

How do probiotics help with constipation? Probiotics can increase the frequency of bowel movements, improve stool consistency, and reduce gut transit time, making it easier to pass stools.

Probiotic Sources for Better Digestive Function

Consider incorporating these probiotic-rich foods into your diet:

• Yogurt with live active cultures
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Miso
• Tempeh

When choosing probiotic supplements, look for products containing strains such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which have been shown to be beneficial for digestive health.

The Importance of a Consistent Bathroom Routine

Establishing a regular bathroom routine can significantly improve bowel function and help prevent constipation. By setting aside dedicated time each day for bowel movements, you can train your body to develop a more consistent pattern.

Why is a consistent bathroom routine important? Regular bathroom habits help stimulate the gastrocolic reflex, which promotes bowel movements. This can lead to more frequent and comfortable bowel movements over time.

Tips for Developing a Healthy Bathroom Routine

• Set aside time each day, preferably after meals, for bathroom visits
• Create a relaxing bathroom environment
• Avoid rushing or straining during bowel movements
• Use a footstool to elevate your feet while on the toilet
• Practice deep breathing to relax abdominal muscles
• Avoid excessive use of electronic devices in the bathroom

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a consistent routine, you can promote regular bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation.

Can Mineral Oil Be Used for Constipation?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Overview

Constipation is an uncomfortable, sometimes painful, condition. It happens when the movement of stool through your bowels slows. Stools can become dry and hard. This makes them difficult to pass.

Most people have at least occasional periods of constipation. Some people have it on a regular basis.

If you’re constipated, it may mean that you have infrequent bowel movements. This means having less than three bowel movements per week.

There are many prescription and over-the-counter laxatives available to treat constipation. One of these options is mineral oil.

Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative. It’s been used for many years to make it easier to have a bowel movement, and is generally considered safe and effective.

Mineral oil coats the stool and the inside of the bowel with moisture. This helps keep the stool from drying out.

You can buy mineral oil here. It’s available in liquid or oral form, or as an enema.

Drink the plain liquid or mix it with water or another drink. A mineral oil enema usually comes in a squeezable tube. This allows you to deliver the oil directly into your rectum.

Because mineral oil takes about 8 hours to work, consider taking it right before bedtime. This may limit or reduce your chance of waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.

Avoid taking it with meals because mineral oil can interfere with your body’s absorption of several important nutrients. This is also why it’s not recommended for pregnant women to treat constipation.

Don’t take mineral oil within 2 hours of taking another medication because it can interfere with the other medication’s effectiveness.

The laxative is sold as plain mineral oil and as a mineral oil emulsion, which means the oil has been mixed with another liquid. Regardless of which type of mineral oil laxative you buy, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Oral doses range from 15 to 30 milliliters (ml) of mineral oil for children under 6. These numbers can vary depending on the product. Some doctors say children under the age of 6 shouldn’t take mineral oil.

If you have questions, check with your pediatrician about any changes in guidelines or recommendations for mineral oil as a laxative.

Adults can take 15 to 45 ml of mineral oil orally. These numbers will vary depending on the product. Ask your doctor about what dose is appropriate for you.

Like other laxatives, mineral oil is meant to provide short-term relief. If you have success using it yet your constipation problems continue, your doctor may recommend careful use. But try to avoid using it for an extended period.

Talk to your doctor if you don’t notice any improvement after a week of using this laxative.

Be careful when giving mineral oil to your child. If a child inhales it, it can result in respiratory difficulty. It may also result in pneumonia.

If you or your child develops a cough or other respiratory problems after starting mineral oil, tell your doctor.

Because you can’t digest mineral oil, some may leak out of the rectum. This can make a mess and irritate the rectum. Taking smaller doses may help solve this problem.

Allergies to mineral oil are unusual. If you have problems with itching, swelling, or breathing trouble, seek immediate medical attention.

The older you get, the more you’re at risk for constipation. Women tend to be more likely than men to develop constipation. This is at least partly because constipation commonly occurs during pregnancy.

Additional risk factors for constipation include:

• being dehydrated
• not getting enough fiber in your diet
• having thyroid disease, which is more common in women
• taking certain narcotic drugs
• taking certain sedatives
• taking certain medications to lower your blood pressure
• having medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
• having weakened pelvic muscles, or ones that no longer relax and constrict

Certain lifestyle choices can help you avoid this difficult digestive problem. Make sure your diet contains plenty of roughage, like fruit, whole grains, and green, leafy vegetables.

Staying hydrated is also important. Try to drink six to eight glasses of water each day, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Exercising every day can also help improve your digestion and your overall physical health.

A mineral oil laxative should work after the first dose. If it doesn’t, check the product’s label or discuss your options with your doctor. It may take a few days for you to get relief.

If you don’t get relief after a week, you may need to try a different type of laxative.

If you have success with mineral oil, be careful not to overdo it. It’s possible to use a laxative so much that you eventually have trouble having a bowel movement without using one.

Can Mineral Oil Be Used for Constipation?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Overview

Constipation is an uncomfortable, sometimes painful, condition. It happens when the movement of stool through your bowels slows. Stools can become dry and hard. This makes them difficult to pass.

Most people have at least occasional periods of constipation. Some people have it on a regular basis.

If you’re constipated, it may mean that you have infrequent bowel movements. This means having less than three bowel movements per week.

There are many prescription and over-the-counter laxatives available to treat constipation. One of these options is mineral oil.

Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative. It’s been used for many years to make it easier to have a bowel movement, and is generally considered safe and effective.

Mineral oil coats the stool and the inside of the bowel with moisture. This helps keep the stool from drying out.

You can buy mineral oil here. It’s available in liquid or oral form, or as an enema.

Drink the plain liquid or mix it with water or another drink. A mineral oil enema usually comes in a squeezable tube. This allows you to deliver the oil directly into your rectum.

Because mineral oil takes about 8 hours to work, consider taking it right before bedtime. This may limit or reduce your chance of waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.

Avoid taking it with meals because mineral oil can interfere with your body’s absorption of several important nutrients. This is also why it’s not recommended for pregnant women to treat constipation.

Don’t take mineral oil within 2 hours of taking another medication because it can interfere with the other medication’s effectiveness.

The laxative is sold as plain mineral oil and as a mineral oil emulsion, which means the oil has been mixed with another liquid. Regardless of which type of mineral oil laxative you buy, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Oral doses range from 15 to 30 milliliters (ml) of mineral oil for children under 6. These numbers can vary depending on the product. Some doctors say children under the age of 6 shouldn’t take mineral oil.

If you have questions, check with your pediatrician about any changes in guidelines or recommendations for mineral oil as a laxative.

Adults can take 15 to 45 ml of mineral oil orally. These numbers will vary depending on the product. Ask your doctor about what dose is appropriate for you.

Like other laxatives, mineral oil is meant to provide short-term relief. If you have success using it yet your constipation problems continue, your doctor may recommend careful use. But try to avoid using it for an extended period.

Talk to your doctor if you don’t notice any improvement after a week of using this laxative.

Be careful when giving mineral oil to your child. If a child inhales it, it can result in respiratory difficulty. It may also result in pneumonia.

If you or your child develops a cough or other respiratory problems after starting mineral oil, tell your doctor.

Because you can’t digest mineral oil, some may leak out of the rectum. This can make a mess and irritate the rectum. Taking smaller doses may help solve this problem.

Allergies to mineral oil are unusual. If you have problems with itching, swelling, or breathing trouble, seek immediate medical attention.

The older you get, the more you’re at risk for constipation. Women tend to be more likely than men to develop constipation. This is at least partly because constipation commonly occurs during pregnancy.

Additional risk factors for constipation include:

• being dehydrated
• not getting enough fiber in your diet
• having thyroid disease, which is more common in women
• taking certain narcotic drugs
• taking certain sedatives
• taking certain medications to lower your blood pressure
• having medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
• having weakened pelvic muscles, or ones that no longer relax and constrict

Certain lifestyle choices can help you avoid this difficult digestive problem. Make sure your diet contains plenty of roughage, like fruit, whole grains, and green, leafy vegetables.

Staying hydrated is also important. Try to drink six to eight glasses of water each day, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Exercising every day can also help improve your digestion and your overall physical health.

A mineral oil laxative should work after the first dose. If it doesn’t, check the product’s label or discuss your options with your doctor. It may take a few days for you to get relief.

If you don’t get relief after a week, you may need to try a different type of laxative.

If you have success with mineral oil, be careful not to overdo it. It’s possible to use a laxative so much that you eventually have trouble having a bowel movement without using one.

Can mineral oil be used for constipation?

27 lime, 2020 od Jakub

contents

Overview

Constipation is an unpleasant, sometimes painful condition. This happens when the movement of stool through the intestines slows down. Chairs may become dry and hard. This makes it difficult for them to pass.

Most people get constipated at least occasionally. Some people do it regularly.

If you are closed, this may mean that you have infrequent bowel movements. This means having fewer than three bowel movements per week.

Many prescription and over-the-counter medicines are available to treat constipation. One such option is mineral oil.

Mineral oil is a laxative lubricant. It has been used for many years to ease bowel movements and is generally considered safe and effective.

Mineral oil moisturizes the stool and the inside of the bowels. This will help prevent the stool from drying out.

Buy mineral oil here. It is available in liquid or oral form, or as an enema.

Drink plain liquid or mix it with water or another beverage. Mineral oil conditioner usually enters the drain pipe. This allows the oil to be delivered directly to the rectum.

Since mineral oil takes about 8 hours to work, consider taking it right before bed. This can limit or reduce the chance of waking up in the middle of the night and going to the bathroom.

Do not take it with food, as mineral oil can interfere with your body’s absorption of several important nutrients. This is also the reason why constipation treatment is not recommended for pregnant women.

Do not take mineral oil within 2 hours of taking another medicine as this may affect the effectiveness of the other medicine.

dosage

The laxative is sold as regular mineral oil and as a mineral oil emulsion, which means the oil is mixed with another liquid. Whichever mineral oil laxative you buy, follow the instructions.

Oral doses range from 15 to 30 milliliters (ml) of mineral oil for children under 6 years of age. These figures may vary by product. Some doctors say that children under 6 should not take mineral oil.

If you have any questions, check with your pediatrician about any changes in guidelines or recommendations for mineral oil as a laxative.

Adults can take 15 to 45 ml of mineral oil orally. These numbers will vary by product. Ask your doctor about which dose is right for you.

Like other laxatives, mineral oil should provide short-term relief. If you succeed, but doctors will recommend caution. But try to avoid it for a long time.

Talk to your doctor if you don’t see any improvement after a week of using this laxative.

Be careful when giving mineral oil to a child. If a child inhales it, it can lead to breathing problems. It can also lead to pneumonia.

If you or your child develops a cough or other breathing problems after you start using mineral oil, tell your doctor.

Since you cannot digest mineral oil, some of it may leak from the rectum. This can lead to confusion and irritation of the rectum. Taking smaller doses may help solve this problem.

Mineral oil allergy is rare. If you have problems with itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately.

The older you get, the more you are at risk of constipation. Women are more likely to close the prison than men. This is partly because constipation usually occurs during pregnancy.

Additional risk factors for constipation include:

• dehydrated
• Not getting enough fiber in your diet
• they have a thyroid condition, which is more common in women
• they take certain drugs
• they take certain sedatives
• they take certain drugs to lower blood pressure
• they have diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
• they have weakened pelvic muscles or those that no longer relax and contract

Making certain life choices can help you avoid this difficult digestive problem. Make sure your diet is full of solid foods like fruits, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.

Staying hydrated is also important. Try to drink six to eight glasses of water every day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Daily exercise can also help improve your digestion and overall physical health.

Takeaway

Mineral oil laxative should work after the first dose. If it doesn’t, check the product label or talk to your doctor about options. It may take you a few days to feel relief.

If you don’t feel better after a week, you may need to try a different type of laxative.

If you succeed with mineral oil, be careful not to overdo it. A laxative can be used so often that without it you will have bowel problems.

Can mineral oil be used for constipation?

27 lime, 2020 od Jakub

contents

Overview

Constipation is an unpleasant, sometimes painful condition. This happens when the movement of stool through the intestines slows down. Chairs may become dry and hard. This makes it difficult for them to pass.

Most people experience constipation at least occasionally. Some people do it regularly.

If you are closed, this may mean that you have infrequent bowel movements. This means having fewer than three bowel movements per week.

Many prescription and over-the-counter medicines are available to treat constipation. One such option is mineral oil.

Mineral oil is a laxative lubricant. It has been used for many years to ease bowel movements and is generally considered safe and effective.

Mineral oil moisturizes the stool and the inside of the bowels. This will help prevent the stool from drying out.

Buy mineral oil here. It is available in liquid or oral form, or as an enema.

Drink plain liquid or mix it with water or another beverage. Mineral oil conditioner usually enters the drain pipe. This allows the oil to be delivered directly to the rectum.

Since mineral oil takes about 8 hours to work, consider taking it right before bed. This can limit or reduce the chance of waking up in the middle of the night and going to the bathroom.

Do not take it with meals as mineral oil can interfere with your body’s absorption of several important nutrients. This is also the reason why constipation treatment is not recommended for pregnant women.

Do not take mineral oil within 2 hours of taking another medicine as this may affect the effectiveness of the other medicine.

dosage

The laxative is sold as regular mineral oil and as a mineral oil emulsion, which means the oil is mixed with another liquid. Whichever mineral oil laxative you buy, follow the instructions.

Oral doses range from 15 to 30 milliliters (mL) of mineral oil for children under 6 years of age. These figures may vary by product. Some doctors say that children under 6 should not take mineral oil.

If you have any questions, check with your pediatrician about any changes in guidelines or recommendations for mineral oil as a laxative.

Adults can take 15 to 45 ml of mineral oil orally. These numbers will vary by product. Ask your doctor about which dose is right for you.

Like other laxatives, mineral oil should provide short-term relief. If you succeed, but doctors will recommend caution. But try to avoid it for a long time.

Talk to your doctor if you don’t see any improvement after a week of using this laxative.

Be careful when giving mineral oil to a child. If a child inhales it, it can lead to breathing problems. It can also lead to pneumonia.

If you or your child develops a cough or other breathing problems after you start using mineral oil, tell your doctor.

Since you cannot digest mineral oil, some of it may leak from the rectum. This can lead to confusion and irritation of the rectum. Taking smaller doses may help solve this problem.

Mineral oil allergy is rare. If you have problems with itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately.

The older you get, the more you are at risk of constipation. Women are more likely to close the prison than men. This is partly because constipation usually occurs during pregnancy.

Additional risk factors for constipation include:

• dehydrated
• Not getting enough fiber in your diet
• they have a thyroid disorder, which is more common in women
• taking certain drugs
• taking certain sedatives
• taking certain medications to lower blood pressure
• have medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
• have weakened pelvic muscles or those that no longer relax and contract

Making certain life choices can help you avoid this difficult problem with digestion. Make sure your diet is full of solid foods like fruits, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.