What is the best way to relieve constipation?

Drink at least 1.5 litres of still, plain water daily, at least 20 minutes away from food.

Keep a high intake of warm, cooked vegetables in your daily diet, and avoid highly processed foods such as refined sugar, white bread and pasta and rice.

Exercise gently for 10-20 minutes daily, and never ignore an urge to go to the loo. You may occasionally and temporarily need something to encourage your bowels to start working more effectively, such as Linseeds and Senna which are useful for short-term relief of occasional constipation.

Ali Cullen
Nutritional therapist