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