Constipation is a common problem in life. Although it is not a serious disease, it can seriously affect people’s quality of life and happiness. There are many misconceptions about constipation, such as that people are bound to become constipated when they get older and that drinking yogurt can cure constipation. The LifeTimes has combined the advice of Charlene Prather, a professor of gastroenterology at St. Louis University in the United States. Prather’s advice to clarify the common misconceptions about constipation one by one. Myth #1: Constipation is a reduction in the number of bowel movements It is commonly believed that constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Even if the number of times is normal, if there is often difficulty in defecation, hard stool, swelling or discomfort in the anus during defecation, etc. is also considered constipation. Prather says, “Discomfort such as difficult bowel movements is more serious than a low number of bowel movements and should be addressed more aggressively.” Myth 2: Constipation is inevitable as we age Although constipation is more common in the older population, that doesn’t mean it’s a sure thing as we get older. Prather says, “There is not a correlation between aging and a rising risk of constipation; it has more to do with the health risks you have or the medications you take.” For example, people with low thyroid function, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and diabetics are prone to constipation. In addition some medications, such as anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive drugs, often have constipation as a side effect. Sometimes changing medications or improving the underlying disease will benefit bowel movements. Myth #3: Eating too little dietary fiber causes constipation Prather says, “Studies have shown that there is no difference in dietary fiber intake between constipated and non-constipated patients.” It is important to note that dietary fiber can indeed relieve constipation, but it can also cause flatulence and abdominal pain, and can cause irritation to the GI tract in those with poor gastrointestinal function. The American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 38 grams of fiber per person per day. Myth #4: Drinking yogurt can cure constipation Prather says, “Although the probiotics in yogurt help promote healthy bacterial colonization in the gut, the credit of yogurt in cleansing the intestines is somewhat overstated.” Patients with severe constipation are better off taking a dietary supplement containing probiotics rather than just drinking a lot of yogurt. Myth 5: To treat constipation, you need to drink more water It’s true in itself that people with constipation should drink more water, but constipation will not be solved simply by drinking water alone, and more should be done to improve the dietary regimen. The fiber in fruits and vegetables has a water-locking function in the intestinal tract, which can reduce the situation of hard stools. In addition, drink more water does not mean a lot of drinking, but should be divided into 8 to 10 times to drink 2000 ml of water to improve the best effect of constipation. Myth 6: Exercise more, the intestinal tract will also move Prather encourages constipation patients at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every day, but the amount of exercise should not be too much, sometimes sweat too much, and water is not timely, but will aggravate constipation. Myth 7: Constipation is not a major problem Constipation is easily overlooked by clinicians and patients, and many people do not seek medical help. However, chronic and severe constipation can have a significant negative impact on a patient’s quality of life, sense of well-being, daily functioning and digestive health, and even affect psychological well-being. Myth #8: Taking laxatives is the only treatment Patients should be advised and monitored by a colorectal surgeon when taking laxatives or using medications such as enemas and suppositories. Abuse of laxatives can make the intestines less sensitive and form a dependence on certain laxatives, which in turn can worsen constipation. When treating constipation, physicians first advise patients to make lifestyle changes. Most people are successfully treated with increased intake of high-fiber foods, such as bran, cereal, fruits and vegetables, and increased fluid intake. Also, getting into the habit of having a bowel movement at a specific time of day can be helpful for some patients. In cases of constipation caused by pelvic floor problems, physical therapy can help patients to relax and contract these muscles more effectively so that the abdominal and pelvic floor muscle groups move in a coordinated manner during bowel movements. This method is effective and safe in the long term.