Here are some tips to keep your digestive system running smoothly.

1. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and bran to get 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day. Try to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
2. Exercise every day. A 20- to 30-minute walk may help keep you regular.
3. Ask your pharmacist if an over-the-counter medication may help. Products with fiber (such as Metamucil) or products that soften the stool (such as Colace or those that contain docusate sodium) may ease mild constipation.
4. Mind your medications. Medications such as calcium supplements, painkillers, or antidepressants can cause constipation. Talk with your physician if constipation begins soon after you start a new prescription or if constipation does not go away within a few days. Constipation can be a sign of a more serious health condition.

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