Lack of exercise can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know precisely why diverticulitis-constipation For example, constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise diverticulitis-constipation Laxatives Laxatives usually are not necessary and can be habit-forming diverticulitis-constipation The colon begins begins to rely on laxatives to bring on bowel movements diverticulitis-constipation Over time, laxatives can damage nerve cells in the colon and interfere with the colon's natural ability to contract diverticulitis-constipation For the same reason, regular use of enemas can also lead to a loss of normal bowel function diverticulitis-constipation Lifestyle Lifestyle Changes Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass diverticulitis-constipation People who have problems with constipation should drink enough of these liquids every day, about eight 8-ounce glasses diverticulitis-constipation Liquids that contain caffeine, like coffee and and cola drinks, and alcohol have a dehydrating effect diverticulitis-constipation Lubricants grease the stool enabling it to move through the intestine more easily diverticulitis-constipation Mineral oil is the most common example diverticulitis-constipation lumpy or hard stool lupus Many people think they are constipated when, in fact, their bowel movements are regular diverticulitis-constipation regular diverticulitis-constipation For example, some people believe they are constipated, or irregular, if they do not have a bowel movement every day diverticulitis-constipation However, there is no right number of daily or weekly bowel movements diverticulitis-constipation Normal may be three times a day or three times a week depending on the the person diverticulitis-constipation Also, some people naturally have firmer stools than others diverticulitis-constipation Medical History Medications medications Metabolic and endocrine conditions Most people who are mildly constipated do not need laxatives diverticulitis-constipation However, for those who have made diet and lifestyle changes and are still constipated, doctors may recommend laxatives or or enemas for a limited time diverticulitis-constipation These treatments can help retrain a chronically sluggish bowel diverticulitis-constipation For children, short-term treatment with laxatives, along with retraining to establish regular bowel habits, also helps prevent constipation diverticulitis-constipation Most people with constipation do not need extensive testing and can be treated with changes changes in diet and exercise diverticulitis-constipation For example, in young people with mild symptoms, a medical history and physical examination may be all the doctor needs to suggest successful treatment diverticulitis-constipation The tests the doctor performs depend on the duration and severity of the constipation, the person's age, and whether blood blood in stools, recent changes in bowel movements, or weight loss have occurred diverticulitis-constipation multiple sclerosis Myths about constipation have led to a serious abuse of laxatives diverticulitis-constipation This is common among people who are preoccupied with having a daily bowel movement diverticulitis-constipation Neurological disorders Not Enough Fiber in the | 