Dear Donovan,

I'm having a problem and I need your advice. I do not pass my stools regularly even though I drink lot of water (eight glasses per day), starting with two glasses first thing in the morning. I eat fruits and vegetables, but not on a daily basis.

Awaiting your advice.

Sorry to hear about your constipation problem. This situation is not good and should be dealt with as soon as possible.

I wish that you had given me some more information though. For example, when you say that you are not regular, what kind of average are we looking at? Also, what is you present diet looking like?

It would have also been helpful if you stated how often you eat fruits and vegetables. Is it once per week, or less? I would have also liked to know how long your constipation problem has been going on.

That aside, constipation is a serious problem and should not be taken lightly. Faeces left in the intestines for extended periods can be a feeding ground for many micro organisms. This can lead to the production of toxins which makes the body toxic and acidic. When the body is toxic, it is more susceptible to many diseases.

I have noticed that in general, people's bowel motions are becoming less frequent. In my opinion, this could be due in part to our diet and our general lifestyle. In your case, I suggest you start a nine-night detox programme and also make some changes to your diet and exercise regimen.

The detox programme is important to clean partially digested food and faeces that need to get out of the system. Once you have cleared the digestive system, it is very important to keep it clean, therefore, it is very important to make changes to your diet or the intestines will block up again.

It is good that you are drinking water in the mornings and throughout the day. However, you could squeeze some lime juice in it which would help with your bowel movement. You also need to add some fibre to your diet to prevent constipation. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of this.

Try and reduce/eliminate from your diet, white flour, white rice, white bread, crackers etc. Replace these products with less processed alternatives such as brown rice and whole-wheat flour etc.

Try and be more active and maintain an exercise programme as this will help with your bowel movement. If you are still experiencing problems after trying these suggestions, please visit your physician.