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Constipation

Make sure you have plenty of fibre (roughage) in your diet. Good sources of fibre include wholewheat breakfast cereals like Weetabix, Shredded Wheat, or muesli; wholemeal bread and flour; brown rice; wholemeal pasta; fresh fruit and vegetables.
Favourite natural remedies for constipation are syrup of figs, prunes and prune juice.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Hot or cold drinks will be helpful. Aim to drink at least 2 litres a day.
Gentle exercise will help to keep your bowels moving.
If the constipation is due to medicines that you are taking (such as painkillers or anti-sickness drugs) you will need to take laxatives. Your doctor can prescribe these for you.

If you have cancer of the bowel|, or you think that your bowel may be affected by your cancer treatment, always ask your doctor or specialist nurse for advice on dealing with constipation.

Content last reviewed: 1 December 2009

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.