Do NOT strain excessively to pass motions. Straining damages the muscles around your anus as well as promoting piles and bleeding.

Take a high residue diet, e.g. wholemeal bread and cereals. The best way to ensure this is to take Natural Bran, which can be obtained from Boots Chemists, Health Food shops and some other food stores, such as Safeway and Sainsburys. Take 3 tablespoonfuls (i.e. large spoonfuls) every day. Natural Bran is very dry and should be taken mixed with or sprinkled over moist foods or fluids. For example, sprinkle 3 tablespoonfuls over your cornflakes and milk or porridge during your breakfast. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking Natural Bran. To supplement your high residue diet, eat wholemeal bread, (e.g. Allinson’s Stoneground) instead of white bread. If you are constipated & the above measures have not helped; in addition take the medication Lactulose (which can be obtained without prescription) up to 10mls (2 teaspoonfuls) 3 times a day.