Not sure if I'm posting this in the right place - I have a small query…

My bowel movements have never been normal and I would usually have the runs once or twice a month. I've went almost a month without this, and thought that was a good thing, but my bowels haven’t moved since last Sunday (2nd Nov), so that's now 10 days. I feel fine, I'm not bloated, I'm eating plenty, my weight is still going down, and I'm drinking plenty of water. The longest I've went before is 6-7 days, so this is starting to worry me.

When I do go, even after 6-7 days, it's never usually that much.

The thing is, I find it strange - where is all my food going to? Isn't fibre meant to go right through you? Could there be something else wrong with me? I had it checked out a few years ago and they just left it as irritable bowel syndrome and I regularly take Colpermin (peppermint oil capsules) and drink a few cups of peppermint tea daily.

I heard this week that taking a lemon squeezed into hot water can help - I've dont this 3 times since yesterday morning, with no luck obviously.

Sorry if I've made anyone a bit queasy!

Julie (age 22)

Hmmm... are you eating enough veggies???? I wouldn't worry about it too much if you don't feel the need to go but I would try to add some more fiber or take a mild laxative

You should have a movement, at least one, every day!! Make sure you're not eatting too much protein. Try skipping dairy for one week, eat only 4 oz of protein with each meal and have a veggie at every meal. Make one of them a big salad with fresh spinach. Also try no grains with the no dairy. Do this just for one week to see if there is a difference. I'm allergic to wheat and cereal grains. It causes all kinds of wierd bowel problems. Constipation for days the then the runs. Since I quit eatting them, I'm regular, except for when I don't eat enough veggies!! And don't forget the water!!