How do you stop constipation

Dear Ms Clea...

Oh, how I can relate!

But I'm putting the cart before the horse here.

If you're accustomed to taking laxatives to help this problem--STOP IT! Laxatives only add to your problem by taking your own muscle structure in the intestines and making it useless--yes, _useless._

This is why folks become DEPENDENT ON LAXATIVES; they've messed up their own regulation.

You've got to restructure your eating habits, starting with the first thing that goes into your belly in the morning.

1st Thing: WATER, preferably room temperature, distilled, a full 8-10oz glassful first thing on arising. You could add natural lemon juice if you like.

Do your normal ablutions (shower, shave, etc) and then have yourself a bowlful of instant oatmeal (cooks in 2 mins. in the microwave). I like to add half a cup of _applesauce_ to it with a bit of milk. You will have eaten a decent low calorie breakfast with one of the two FRUITS you'll need for the day.

Next, with either your usual juice or more water, take a STOOL SOFTENER (an over-the-counter product) DAILY and 1-1/2 or 2 Chewable Fiber Choice tablets.

THIS ROUTINE NEEDS TO BE A DAILY THING. START CARRYING WATER BOTTLES WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.

Ideally, you'll be eating and drinking the lightest meals from breakfast through lunch and not eating heavily or starches past 8:00p.m. Doing this will make your system work extra hard to digest for the day.