LONG FIBER VEGES IS THE KEY!

I haven't seen this suggestion in this thread. I've had problems with constipation since I was a kid, but heard the phrase "tortuous colon" for the first time when I turned 50 yrs. old and had my first colonoscopy. What works for me is vegetables with long fibers - especially celery (raw) and asparagus (lightly cooked). The asparagus is the best. I've made it a mainstay of my diet. I cook it different ways to keep it interesting, although lightly roasting it in a 375 degree oven for about 10-13 minutes (depending on thickness of the vegetable) works best for me. I season it with garlic and herbs. I also think kale has long fibers, but I haven't found a decent way to prepare that vege. Asparagus is a great vege and it provides lots of health benefits beyond the fiber - so it's a great addition to any diet. Also, like many have said here - lots of water all day long.

In my opinion, eating celery (great with lunch - add some carrots!) and asparagus is a natural way to help your colon move things along without completely changing your diet. I love food as much as the next person, but don't want to have a special diet that interferes with my life. I stay active (walking, hiking, strength training), drink a good amount of water and use "outside help" (i.e., laxatives) only when absolutely needed.