Preventing constipation.. how?

[JellycatElfie]

About 2.5 weeks ago dh and I decided to start eating better. I added lots of fruit and veg to my diet, mainly cooked veg with my dinner - tomatoes, mushrooms, peas etc. About a week ago I got really constipated and it’s been so painful and so uncomfortable! I’ve got through several glycerin suppositories and finally feel better. My question is how to stop this happening again? We go on holiday in a month so I’d like to continue losing weight (have lost 4lb so far!) why was I more constipated with more veg?! One thing I didn’t do was drink.. we have a young baby and I don’t always drink more than 500ml a day will increasing my water intake alone stop this happening again? I’ll do whatever it takes!!

Drink drink drink! 2 litres a day!!!! And then see how you get on.

I think I’m just so surprised that not drinking enough could cause this many issues?! Ive never, ever had to
Use any constipation treatment in my life. I didn’t know how debilitating constipation could be, honestly, I’ve felt absolutely dreadful. I’m so glad it’s over but terrified it’s going to happen again! Currently guzzling a load of water..

Since having kids I get constipated if I don't drink enough. Also if I eat too much bread. Some food's like Ryvita weetabix are really drying to the body so you need to drink extra. Make sure you're having a large drink with each meal and another between each meal. Preferably water. Squash is ok.

Meant Ryvita or weetabix!

You need to drink MUCH more water. It's no wonder you're constipated.

If you don't drink enough water your gut will extract it from the food you've eaten until your faeces are the consistency of granite.

You're definitely not pregnant?

If you don't drink, then the fluid is extracted from the colon so that the faeces dry out, and this slows down your transit, which means that it stays in the colon longer and dries out …… and so on.

A lot of fibre, when it dries out, is like peat based potting compost which is very hard to rewet once it is dry.

Drink plenty water as well as the usual tea and coffee.

In adding the veg, did you remove the carbs? Carbs do really make you go.

And if you only drink 500ml a day, all the fibre in that veg will be like wallpaper paste in your gut, dehydrating and setting solid.

Carbs do really make you go.

Fish and chips from my favourite seaside chippy usually helps . There is quite a lot of fibre in proper chips too.

Lots of water & dried Apricots work for me.

I didn’t completely remove the carbs but I suppose I’ve eaten much much less than usual. I was eating loads of chick peas, lentils etc.. I suppose those and the lack of water is what’s done it no, definitely not pregnant! Just finished my period (which also seems to make things slow down) thank you for all the advice - I’ll make a conscious effort to drink lots more!

Going from eating little fibre to a lot suddenly can cause constipation - Fibre bulks up the stool. Try adding extra veg in more gradually. Definitely drink more water, I also find a coffee helps if I need to go, as does eating chocolate or sugary jellies.

And exercise! Are you walking/ moving enough?