Why do I defecate only 4-5 times per week(7 day)?

Question

Im 15, 5'9", and weigh 164 lbs. For the last 5-6 months, I've been trying to eat better and exercise more. And, appearently, its working. Im 20+ lbs less. But thats not my concern.

For the last few weeks, I've noticed that my bowl movements have been becoming excessively more few and far apart. And I've noticed that its been getting harder to go.(increased straining) I eat lots of fiber everyday, 20g-30g... What's the problem?

Answer 1

Signs and symptoms:

Not having a bowel movement every day doesn't necessarily mean you're constipated. You're likely constipated, however, if you:

Pass a hard stool fewer than three times a week
Strain frequently during bowel movements
Have abdominal bloating or discomfort

Prevention:
Eat fiber regularly. Choose lots of high-fiber foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans and whole-grain cereals and breads. Experiment to see if particular fruits or vegetables have a laxative effect for you. Adding fiber to your diet gradually may help reduce gas and bloating.
Limit problem foods. Foods that are high in fat and sugar and those that tend to be low in fiber content, such as eggs and dairy foods, may cause or aggravate constipation.
Drink plenty of liquids. The exact amount of water and other fluids you should drink each day varies and depends on your age, sex, health, activity level and other factors.
Increase your physical activity. Engage in regular exercise such as walking, biking or swimming on most days.
Heed nature's call. The longer you delay going to the toilet once you feel the urge, the more water that's absorbed from stool and the harder it becomes.
Try fiber supplements. Over-the-counter products such as Metamucil and Citrucel can help keep stools soft and regular. Check with your doctor about using stool softeners. If you use fiber supplements, be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids every day. Otherwise, fiber supplements may cause constipation or make constipation worse. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas.
Don't rely on stimulant laxatives. These include products such as Correctol or Dulcolax, which cause muscle contractions in the intestines. Habitual use can damage your bowels and make constipation worse. For occasional relief try saline laxatives, such as milk of magnesia, which draws water into the colon to allow stool to pass easier. Keep in mind that long-term use of laxatives can cause dependency. For constipated children, give them plenty of fluids to drink, but avoid giving them laxatives unless your doctor says it's OK.

Answer 2

Are you nursing or using formulas? If you are nursing watch your diet and try to include more fiber. The formulas are always rich in iron, iron can cause constipation in some babies. If your baby didn't have a bowel movement for more than 6 days it's better to check with your pediatrician. If you notice baby is struggling to defecate, use the digital thermometer tip, put the plastic lining on the tip that we use for rectum reading and apply some Vaseline. Slowly put the thermometer in the rectum and you will be surprised with your result.

Answer 3

I noticed that also when I lost weight. I had to use a fiber supplement, like Metamucil, and drink LOTS of water. Don't over-do it though, because, that stuff does work! It may take a few days though!

Answer 4

Your body is adjusting to the relatively new diet. It gets confused quite easily.
To be sure just eat more fibre, you will soon go back to normal - dont strain as this will cause you piles/heamorrhoids, blood in your **** after a dump.

Answer 5

congratulations on your weight loss, your body is probably just trying to adjust to the new way you are eating, try drinking more water, and avoid straining, If that doesn't help see a doctor and they will be able to help you.

Answer 6

U ARE LUCKY U MANAGE 4-5 TIMES A WEEK......................

I HAD A BULGARIAN WOMAN WORK FOR ME WHO USED TO DO IT ONCE A WEEK & SHE WAS 6"2 & ATE HEALTHY AS WELL.....................

ANYWAY, LIKE SOMONE HAS ALREADY MENTIONED, INCREASE FIBEROUS FOODS IN YOUR INTAKE.........

Answer 7

You may want to track back whether you had recently change your diet. 'Heatiness' in some food causes less bowel movement.

Drink more water .. it.may help.

Answer 8

Add more fiber and roughage to your diet.

Answer 9

You could be forming some kind of blockage.Tell you parents and seek a doctor.

Answer 10

don't ask me.