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