Tummy troubles

Constipation

This happens when the muscles of the intestine and colon don't work properly. Lots of medicines cause it, as well as IBS.

What can you do? Eat a high-fibre diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals and rice - but drink plenty of water, too.

When to worry ‘Rarely, constipation may be caused by the bowel narrowing because of scarring, diverticular disease, inflammation or, in very rare cases, a tumour. For information about bowel cancer, visit www.beatingbowelcancer.org. Hormonal problems, such as an underactive thyroid gland, can also be to blame,' says Alastair.

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