When should I consider constipation an issue?

[Evian43]

started Eating better around summer time this year and ever since that change in diet I have been constipated, never had that issue before.
right now I’m lucky if I go once a week, it’s usually every 4-5 days. I started taking fibre supplements which did helped for about a week but then stopped working.
i often feel booted, heavy and full and it makes me not feel hungry.
should I go to gp or what should I try before then?

id say its reasonable to go to the GP at this point
you could try some yoga stretches, stomach massage (there a certain one you can do to help move things)
speak to your pharmacist about otc medication
warm baths can help relax everything and make going easier
have you tried things like prune juice? they do sachets of it for children and these can help

When you say that you're now eating better, what's been the change/s?

Usually when you eat more fruit and veg (eat better) you have less constipation

Are you taking in plenty of fluids?

I have always had problems with this. I think it is because I don’t naturally drink water.

I would also suggest trying to have 2.5 - 3L of water a day until it resolves. That usually works for me.

Or send in the ‘big guns’ - 1/2 a tin of prunes a day with plenty of other fruit and vegetables. High fibre cereal also does the trick, but always with plenty of water or it just makes you gassy.

Eat whole grain bread and pasta instead of white. Bagels are real killers.

I would look into the statement ‘better eater’. Sounds like your body doesn’t like your new diet.

Good luck.

You could speak to your pharmacist first or while you wait for the doctor's appointment.
Some people use magnesium citrate.

I'm struck by the fact that, apart from feeling a bit heavy or bloated, you don't seem to be in pain, which many people would be after 2 or 3 days so maybe you naturally have a lower frequency.

Yes, it's interesting. I wonder if it's because we need some fat for the nutrients from the veggies to be absorbed...

Also remember fibre swells in the gut, it’s not always helpful for constipation. My DH has to have low ish fibre diet otherwise he gets constipated.

Do you drink coffee? That will
help with bowel movements. A good prebiotic supplement will support your gut flora too.