what does it mean to be constipated?
437086
It's hard for you to have a bowel movement. You know go poo.
447571
Drink 5 glasses of water a day.\nEat 5 fruit and veg a day as part of a healthy and well balanced diet.\nExercise more.\nDepression and stress can also effect the lifestyle.\nConsult your doctor with your problem, he can prescribe you laxatives.  Sometimes they ask for stool and blood samples to see if you carry any diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohns Disease etc.\nThese lifestyle changes should bring the constipation to a stop, but it could come back at anytime.
505260
constipation is caused by a lack of fiber, water, or exercise. I suggest you do all three.
112150
I assume you meant feces. That depends on the source of course. But if you've been noticing it, you should make an appointment to see your physician, soon.
181128
You want to make sure you're drinking loads of water, getting enough fiber (vegetables and fruit, whole meal bread).  And for an immediate visit to the bathroom, I'd pick up some laxatives from your local drugstore, there's over-the-counter stuff available.  If none of this helps go see a doctor immediately. Hope that helps.
380835
your body absorbes the liquid from the food you eat...waste is then produced...aka poo :)
416673
Yes, you can.  Not from not "emptying your bowels" everyday, that's an exaggeration.  But if you don't have one for a long time and you let it build up because of constipation, it can make you really sick and you can even die from it.
274412
This is from the Colonic Association website:\n"Well, waste material, especially that which has remained in the colon for some time, (i.e. impacted faeces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms, etc.), poses several problems. First this material is quite toxic (poisonous). These poisons can re-enter and circulate in the blood stream making us feel ill, tired or weak. Second, impacted materials impair the colon's ability to assimilate minerals and bacteria- produced vitamins. And finally, a buildup of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements, constipation, and the result of these disorders."\nI have had many and I always feel better afterward.  Friends of mine have had dramatic weight loss (12 lbs in one case); that hasn't happened to me, but my waist did get smaller & my clothes looser.
991867
People who eat a high-fiber diet are less likely to become constipated. The most common causes of constipation are a diet low in fiber or a diet high in fats, such as cheese, eggs, and meats.\n\nFiber—both soluble and insoluble—is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestines almost unchanged. The bulk and soft texture of fiber help prevent hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.\n\nAmericans eat an average of 5 to 14 grams of fiber daily,* which is short of the 20 to 35 grams recommended by the American Dietetic Association. Both children and adults often eat too many refined and processed foods from which the natural fiber has been removed.\n\nA low-fiber diet also plays a key role in constipation among older adults, who may lose interest in eating and choose foods that are quick to make or buy, such as fast foods, or prepared foods, both of which are usually low in fiber. Also, difficulties with chewing or swallowing may cause older people to eat soft foods that are processed and low in fiber.
801855
Straining when having a bowel movement will only lead to hemorrhoids as time goes bye.  You need more fiber in your diet.  Metamucil is a good source of fiber and it will stop the need to strain when having a bowel movement.
892662
The colon.  If your colon is bunged up, it can start to cause all sorts of health problems in the body.  Eat lots of fruit and veg, include plenty of fiber in your diet and buy a colon cleanse from a health food store if necessary.  It's also good to get some colonic irrigation.  It makes you feel so clean inside and you get the urge to put only good food in your body after you've been cleansed.\n\nhttp://www.freewebs.com/spiritualhealing
862066
You should be evaluated by a doctor to make sure that there is no obstruction, especially if this is a new symptom. You may need to undergo a few tests to see what is going on. Do not wait, especially if you are experiencing any pain. I know cancer patients who have had their intestines obstructed and it is painful. Have it checked out.\n\nThe fact that bowel movements are every two days though is not reason to worry. For some people it is normal to wait that long, sometimes three days. What should concern you is if this is a new symptom . . that has just recently occured. It's probably not cancer, but constipation but it is still best to have it check out just to ease your mind.
976968
In opposition to above, You DO NOT stop taking medications that can cause constipation.  What about the other reason, That is just nonsense.  Now to take care of your constipation. Drink lots of water and eat foods that are high in fiber or use a fiber substitute like Benefiber or Metamucil. Since you have taken a laxative, you may want to try taking a laxative that includes a stimulant like Ducolax or Sennakot.  These will help stimulate your colon to push it out.  Also, i'm sure you have probably been straining to defecate since you have been stopped up for a week.  You may want to try using a glycerin suppository as well as these ohter things to help lubricate your sphincter when your poo is on its way out.  This way you will lessen the chance of causing hemorrhoids and it wont hurt so bad.  Good luck, And drink lots of water :-)
574706
Changing what you eat and drink and how much you exercise will help relieve and prevent constipation. Here are some steps you can take.\ntry eating more fiber
486276
Constipation is yet to be figured out. I go everyday so I think that is just really weird when people can hold it in for that long! Bowel movements happen because all that nasty stuff we just ate, the leftovers, needs to be removed from our body. You are not removing it normally so I am sure you are in the high percentage rate of getting irrital bowel syndrome or even colon cancer. You should seek the doctors advice about this. Try eating more vegetables and fruit. Drinking water as soon as you get up in the morning, and drinking throughout the day will definitely help you out. Your diet needs to change.
1150262
Look at some of these causes and see if you need to change something among them\nCommon Causes of Constipation \n\n* Lack of water\n\n* Lack of fiber and poor diet\n\n* Disturbance of the balance of the gut bacteria\n\n* Lack of exercise or prolonged bed rest\n\n* Tension in the muscles of the colon, rectum an anus\n\n* Eating too much of concentrated protein\n\n* The effect of some drugs; take special note of any drugs or supplements you  have not taken before.\n\n* Putting off going to the lavatory \n\n* Pelvic congestion due to weak abdominal muscles or pre-menstrual tension. \n\n\nProper DIET\nDietary measures such as increasing fiber intake from whole-wheat grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and bran may help add bulk to the stool, thus promoting normal bowel movements. Special efforts should be made toward increasing the daily intake of fluids.  \n\nEXERCISE\n\nExercise is important to strengthen the abdominal muscles and to help with the digestion process.  Movement, particularly waist and leg movement help to mix the food and waste products in your intestines which aides digestion.  Massage may also be helpful. \n\nTips TO Avoid Constipation\n\n* Eat a well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits, bran and vegetables.\n\n* Drink plenty of clean pure water (keep fluids containing sugar and/or caffeine to a minimum)\n\n* Exercise, stretch and move.\n\n*Don't ignore the urge to go.\n\n* Take the time to go.\n\n* Take time to relax and reduce stress.\n\nFurther Information\n\nConstipation can be complex and have multiple contributing factors aggravating  the condition.  Take the  time and seize the opportunity to be educated.  Take charge, improve your health and improve the quality of your life.  When you have a clean, smooth running bowel, you will be amazed at your feeling of well-being and your new found energy.
882815
Once a day at least.  Less means you're probably chronically constipated.\n\nTwo or three times is good.\nOne per meal-sized meal or snack is ideal.\n\nMuch more than that, though, and you may have diarrhea!