1. Eat more fiber.
Found in many fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals, fiber helps your body develop soft, bulky stools. In addition to adding healthy fiber to your diet, try to avoid over-processed foods with little fiber, such as chips, pizza, ice cream, frozen dinners and instant potatoes.

2. Drink at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of water or other liquid a day.
Keeping your stools soft and easy to pass requires plenty of fluids — and especially water. Concentrate on drinking fruit juice, herbal teas, and just plain water, as caffeine- and alcohol-containing beverages tend to dry out your system.

3. Get plenty of exercise.
Vigorous exercise isn't necessary; just a 20-30 minute walk or any other regular exercise can help prevent constipation.

4. Don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
People with busy schedules, children who don't want to interrupt their play, and folks who don't like to use public facilities are just a few examples of those who sometimes don't stop and take the time to have a bowel movement. Repeatedly ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, or just delaying a stop at the bathroom, can actually make us lose the ability to feel that urge which — in turn — can lead to constipation. So, when the urge comes, pay attention.

5. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether any medications you take are associated with constipation.
There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications known to be associated with constipation. (Click here to view list.) Sometimes your body will adjust to a medication and your bowel movements will return to normal after a short time. In other cases — as with opioid pain medications — constipation is an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed as long as you continue with your medication.

6. For occasional constipation that doesn't respond to lifestyle and diet changes, take Senokot^® with Natural Vegetable Laxative Ingredient for gentle, overnight relief.