Constipation, or irregularity, is a condition in which your stools pass more slowly than usual through the bowels (intestines). This condition occurs when too much water is removed from the stools and they become hardened, making it difficult to have bowel movements.

Normal frequency of bowel movements is different for each individual. Some people have two or three a day. Others have only three or four bowel movements a week.

The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, such as not drinking enough fluids, a lack of sufficient fiber in the diet, stress, travel, pregnancy or just lack of physical activity. Many people experience occasional constipation due to changes in diet or dehydration. Medications such as cough syrups, sedatives and antacids can also cause occasional constipation. Even people who have a diet rich in fiber can occasionally become constipated.

What you eat and drink matters. The USDA recommends that adults should be eating roughly 25 to 38 grams of fiber a day to help stay regular. Drinking around 8 glasses of water a day is also important to avoid constipation. In addition, your lifestyle makes a difference. For instance, regular exercise can help keep you regular.

If getting enough fiber through diet is a challenge for you, you may want to consider taking a fiber supplement. The benefits of fiber supplements are convenience and the ability to add fiber to your daily diet.

Phillips'^® offers Phillips'^® Fiber Good^® Gummies to help support digestive health.*

Many people find taking fiber supplements on a daily basis to be helpful. To stay regular, you often have to be proactive to make sure you get your recommended intake, which is roughly 25 to 38 grams of fiber a day.

Phillips'^® Milk of Magnesia

Phillips'^® Laxative Caplets

Phillips'^® Stool Softener Liquid Gels

A safe, gentle overnight laxative like Phillips'^® Milk of Magnesia works with your body's natural processes by drawing water into the bowel to promote a bowel movement. Phillips'^® offers Milk of Magnesia liquids in both regular and concentrated formulas in several flavors.

Occasional and even frequent constipation are quite common. But if you've used a laxative longer than one week, please contact your doctor.

Stimulant laxatives, such as those containing bisacodyl, work by stimulating fluid secretion and causing contractions of the colon to produce a bowel movement. These actions can cause intestinal distress in some people, which, in the case of bisacodyl, may lead to painful cramps. Phillips'^® products work differently. They don't contain stimulants and work with your body's natural process to gently relieve occasional constipation. As always, read the label of any product to make sure it's right for you. But if you're looking for a safe, gentle and stimulant-free laxative, it's an easy choice with Phillips'^®. It's the only full line of laxatives that is completely stimulant-free.

Not only is Phillips'^® the only line of laxatives that is completely stimulant-free, but all Phillips'^® products are gentle, effective and safe. Phillips'^® helps take care of all your regularity needs and has been trusted for over 140 years. For further information, please call 1-800-986-0369 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time).