Before trying laxatives

How often you have a bowel movement can vary. You might have as many as three bowel movements a day or as few as three a week. If you are having fewer bowel movements than usual, you might be constipated. Also, constipation may involve stools that are difficult to pass because they're hard, dry or small.

Before turning to laxatives, try these lifestyle changes to help with constipation:

• Eat fiber-rich foods. These include wheat bran, fresh fruits and vegetables, and oats. The average adult should get 25 to 31 grams of fiber per day.
• Drink plenty of fluids daily. Try to drink about 8 to 10 glasses of caffeine-free and alcohol-free fluids throughout the day. A glass is 8 ounces.
• Exercise regularly.

Lifestyle improvements relieve constipation for many people. But if constipation continues after making these changes, your next choice may be a mild laxative.