Readers ask

Chronically constipated despite a healthy lifestyle

Readers ask, experts answer on the most pressing health issues. Eva K: "I (36) eat a lot of vegetables and exercise regularly, but have been struggling with constipation for a long time. What else can help apart from laxatives?"

Dr. Kira Sorko-Enzfelder, specialist in general and visceral surgery at the Evang. KH in Vienna: First of all: As you exercise regularly, it is generally very important to drink at least 2 liters of fluids per day. Among other things, this amount also helps to give swelling dietary fibers, especially from psyllium husk and cereal products, a good gliding ability in the digestive tract. This fiber helps to get the bowels moving.

However, other known triggers for chronic constipation include high levels of stress, lack of a morning routine, various illnesses such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid, as well as certain medications. As your problem has existed for some time, I recommend that you consult a bowel specialist who will specifically assess your symptoms and carry out initial examinations. If your digestive problems do not have an identifiable cause, your doctor will give you some advice, including the use of oral laxatives or suppositories.

Do you have any questions?

If you also have a health concern, simply write to us. We will forward your query confidentially to a suitable expert. Selected questions will be published anonymously in Gesund-Magazin and/or online.

Today there are already laxative preparations that are suitable for long-term use. It is important to discuss the various options so that the therapy can be individually adapted.