Awkward topic and I apologize for this...

1) This sounds like a question for your doctor
2) Your diary is not open.

I used to have similar problems and I changed what I eat to include more fiber. If I don't hit my fiber total each day I suffer. You can look through my diary if you'd like.

Prune juice?

But, yes, you should stop eating bananas IMMEDIATELY! They are the enemy of healthy bowls.

:huh:

I have had life-long battles with constipation (starting from birth, seriously) and several doctors have told me this. Also, I just know it from my daily life. If I eat more than 3 bananas a week, I suffer. And it sucks because they're delicious and filling.

i would gladly trade my BM's for this

Yes, avoid bananas for a while..and cheese for sure!

Try prunes, apples, avocado, fiber supplements, coffee and skim milk. They all work for me, anyway.

I stay much more regular if I take an hour or two in the morning without eating and drink a large glass of water and some of my coffee.

I have had the same problem all my life and only recently have I finally figured out what works for me. I have chronic idiopathic constipation, which basically means I'm constipated despite drinking plenty of water, getting enough exercise, and ingesting good amounts of fiber. Kellogs All Bran Buds (2 servings per day, on top of normal fiber intake) along with a prescription Amitiza from my doc have helped quite a bit. We figured out that my body just likes to be constipated, much to my annoyance. I now get almost double of the daily recommendation for fiber along with the med and that has helped considerably. I've never been as regular as I have been these last two months.

You can either:

1) Eat more fiber.

2) Eat more dietary fat.

3) Drink more water.

I find that if I am lacking in any of the above areas, it's a safe bet that I'm going to have problems.

ETA: I give my toddler apple juice or prunes to get things moving along if she needs it. Works every time.

I am also someone that doesn't move daily, like some. My family has the genes for megacolon which in non-extreme cases causes reduced frequency.

My point is, that it isn't necessarily something to alarm you so long as you go. If you are taking 30 minutes, though, that is concerning especially if straining is involved because you can damage yourself.

I would say...
1. Are you drinking enough fluids... I would make to log it carefully for a while and see.
2. Are you eating regular fibrous food, if not metamucil or some other know fiber quantity for a while.
3. Avoiding some dairy also helps folks.

I actually log mine, for me it's between 3-6 days.

Ok....from my personal experience,....avoid bananas....avoid white rice...and cherries are in season and they are a sure fire fix for me!

Something I learned once I had a young child: focus on some "p" fruits and veggies. Prunes, plums, peaches, peas, and pineapples all help get things moving.

A quick peek at your diary looks like you may be on the lighter side for fiber intake. You might try modifying your diary settings to show you your fiber count, like you can see carbs, fat, protein, etc. Then you will be able to see what your intake and find ways to increase it, if necessary.

Not sure if this applies to you, but if I get busy with life, I forget to go. It's something I have to make time for each day. Articles I read suggested going to the bathroom at generally the same time everyday and just sitting there. Maybe nothing will happen for a while, but eventually, you can train your body to know that's when to go. It helped me tremendously!

Everyone here had great advice, especially ^^^^,

I'd also note that replacing your evil bananas with other fruits -- especially mangos, apricots, strawberries, plums -- might help. Most fruits have a slight, natural laxative effect. (I hadn't heard of the banana's constipating effect, but I'll believe the anecdotes!)

And I find that dairy products noticeably slow my digestion. Yogurt is far less constipating than cheese, but I think many people find that dairy of almost any kind messes with their digestion.

Make sure you don't add too much fiber too quickly to your diet. Gradual fiber increases are a good idea, but sudden, dramatic increases in fiber will constipate you more.

*Edited to correct spelling and add a sentence.

Nothing awkward about poop!

I can't speak highly enough of the virtues of fibre.

I eat a LOT of veg and grains to stay regular. My failsafe poop foods are are lentils, roasted onions and bell peppers, beetroot, sweet potato, peas, sweetcorn, beans. I try to eat generous portions of bulk. I don't eat much meat. A 3 bean stew/chilli or a veg curry for dinner usually does the trick. Tonight it's a baked sweet potato. And sweetcorn. And beetroot... :blushing:

I have heard that bananas can be binding, as can dairy and eggs. Not sure how accurate that is but if I eat too much protein everything definitely slows down.

Make sure you get enough fat. A good serving of nuts, cheese or olive oil may help.

Bran flakes or Weetabix?

I'd definitely recommend incorporating some of the above foods into your diet daily for a few weeks, remember to drink plenty of water and see if that helps.

I'd be really sad if I didn't poop daily. (FYI & TMI - if you can get your bowel movements regular, you'll be done and dusted in a matter of minutes - no more half hour toilet sessions!)

Good luck!

Metamucil is really helpful when I have this... issue. Fruit, coffee, and running also help me in the less severe cases.