Irregular, infrequent or difficult bowel movement is generally caused by the wrong food, or lack of fluid or exercise. Stress and irregular bowel habits can also play a role. See your doctor if you have a sudden change in bowel habits which lasts more than a few days.

Treatment - Practical Advice.

Never resist the urge to go to the toilet, and make a regular habit of trying to defecate once a day, to get the body into the rhythm of regular elimination. Avoid over-the-counter laxatives: they weaken the digestive muscles, ultimately worsening the condition.

Dietary.

Introduce more fibre into your diet (wholegrain bread, pasta, brown rice, unpeeled fruit and vegetables). Drink at least 6 glasses of water per day. A warm glass on waking can stimulate bowel movement. Constipation in children is often related to excess milk. Try reducing milk intake, replacing it with water, fresh fruits and juices, lots of green and root vegetables and wholegrain foods.

Bach Flower Remedies

Walnut, Holly and Larch are all useful.

Exercise

Constipation is more common in those who are sedentary. Regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, cycling or swimming, helps improve bowel function.

Yoga

Every morning start the day with 2 glasses of lukewarm water, then do the following movements:

The half shoulder stand: Lie on your back and raise your legs as you inhale. Exhale, bringing your hips off the ground, bend your knees if you want to and place your hand under your hips to support yourself. While in this position take 10 breaths quickly in and out, letting your abdomen move in and out rhythmically with the breathing. Bend your legs and slowly lower your feet and hips to the ground.

Orthodox

Doctors recommend establishing a regular routine for going to the toilet. For some, a regular routine may be once a day, for others it may be once a week. Glycerin suppositories may be prescribed to help soften the motions.