Why do I have a high fibre diet yet still have constipation?

Question

I am 18 male, not overweight. I eat All Bran cereal for breakfast, and I eat a sandwich with wholemeal bread for lunch. I also eat enough fruits and vegetables. I am a Vegetarian so I rarely eat fastfood, and not much junk food either. And I think I drink enough water.

But I have trouble with my bowel movements and the stools aren't big, lots of smaller ones instead. I have to exert force just to get it out.

Is there something which I need to do?

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Eating all bran does not necessarily mean you will get more fibre.

You really should be drinking atleast 2L of water a day. Exercise also helps because it makes your muscles move and work.

Just because they aren't big, but rather are little small ones, it doesn't mean that there is something wrong.

So my advice, more water, plenty of exercise!

Answer 2

try fresh beet boiled in water for 1 hour then add olive oil and a little vinegar with garlic eat 3 a week that should do the trick
and i agree about the water drink lots of water.
that works for me and i love the taste of fresh beets

Answer 3

Throw some prune juice in with your fruit and water intake.

Walk regularly, get in the habit of doing tummy crunchersl. Avoid sitting for long stretches of time.

Answer 4

try drinking a warm liquid with your breakfast and drink more water all day long not being able to pass you feces is very uncomfortable but most times it is due to not enough fluid in your digestive system you maybe overdoing the fiber

Answer 5

Sounds like you're not getting your required intake of water.


Increase your water, or try to drink cranberry juice (The real stuff, not that concentrated crap).


That usually helps.

Answer 6

Aren you taking calcium supplements? (If so, make sure you are evening them out with magnesium, 2:1 cal:mag)

Are you drinking enough water?