Constipation is a common problem. It can mean either going to the toilet less often than usual to empty your bowels, or passing hard or painful stools. Constipation can be caused by a number of things. Not eating enough fibre or not drinking enough fluid can cause constipation. Some conditions (such as pregnancy) can cause constipation, as can a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed), and some medicines. Often, increasing the amount of fibre in your diet (such as by eating more fruit, vegetables, cereals and wholemeal bread) and drinking plenty of water each day can effectively prevent or relieve constipation. A laxative such as magnesium hydroxide can also be helpful, if used occasionally.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/medicine/magnesium-hydroxide-for-constipation-phillips-milk-of-magnesia