Question: What can I do to safely treat constipation?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
 

Constipation is best treated by increasing your dietary fiber intake. This allows the bowel to contract and move its contents more easily and efficiently. The large bowel is most prone to problems most often because it absorbs water from waste and if there is insufficient fiber, constipation becomes more common.
 

Oral bowel stimulants and enemas are poor choices, except for occasional use. In fact, regular use of enemas will make the bowel dependent upon this to contract, and will only worsen your constipation problems.
 

Try to maintain dietary fiber of at least 30 grams per day, and aim for 40 grams a day. You may supplement your dietary fiber with a tablespoon or two of bran twice daily, or perhaps Metamucil. By all means, drink plenty of water, because if you drink too little, you will become constipated more easily. Be sure to have four glasses or more of water with each dose of any fiber supplement you take.