Answer:

Thank you for your question! Constipation is a problem which can have many causes, most of which should be evaluated by a doctor. You say you were at hospital a year ago for an evaluation of the problem, which was very wise.

We assume that the doctors there recommended using fibre to treat the constipation. There are several different kinds of fibre available for treating constipation. Psillium fibre can cause the bloating and gas you describe, and since you tried it for 2 months without much success it is probably best to avoid using Psillium. You can check the product label to see if Psillium is the main fibre form. Other kinds of fibre include hemicellulose, powdered unprocessed bran, calcium polycarbophyl and methylcellulose. Many factors can cause constipation and bloating. The most common are listed below:

• Not enough fiber in the diet
• Not enough exercise
• Not enough fluids such as water
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement and postponing it until later
• Stress and anxiety
• Changes in life or routine, such as pregnancy and travel
• A side effect of medication

It seems likely that you have eliminated the last two. We suggest starting with increasing the amount of fluids you drink. People need 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids a day. Most drink less than half that much. If you are taking fibre to relieve constipation it is essential that you drink at least 1.5 litres of fluids a day. This should include a large amount of water as well as other fluids. Increase your fluid intake gradually, over several days.

We also suggest walking at least 30 minutes a day, if you aren't already doing so. It isn't necessary to jog or to walk fast--walking at a brisk pace is all that is needed. Again, begin to increase your exercise gradually.

Another excellent source of fibre are fruits and vegetables. It is important for many reasons to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. One of those reasons is the fibre they contain. If you are not eating lots of fruits and vegetables, it may be possible to eliminate other sources of fibre if you increase the amounts of these in your diet. There is also a great deal of information on our sister website www.nutritionno1.com

We hope this information is helpful! Please write again if you have other questions, and please let us know how you are doing. And please tell your friends about our websites; we would be happy to answer their questions too.

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