Bowel Movement ;o)

Definitely an important topic.  When you drop overall food intake (bulk), you're going to have less stool matter.  But, if you can't eliminate daily, it's a problem.  You have to consider:

1) Fiber from food.  You need enough to create bulk, but too much can be a problem as well.  Many people start pounding down raw broccoli and other harsh fibers and then wonder why they get massive gas and diarrhea and even irritable bowel symptoms.  Some carbs from fruit is good as well if you can afford that in your carb intake.  Get enough fibrous carb, but not too much.

2) Water.  You need it.

3) Movement.  Just like cycling a baby's legs passively while they're on their backs can relieve constipation and relieve trapped gas, it's no coincidence that it's easier to release trapped gas when you're walking/running...it stimulates your large intestine to move. 

4) Fat.  Sometimes the stool matter is just too dry.  Using a tbsp of flax oil per day, or other oils, can work wonders - if you can work that into your fat allowance for the day.  It's worth it.

5)  Supplemental fiber.  Many of them cause tremendous gas, but in small amounts it may be worth trying something regularly.  Methylcellulose (Citrucel) doesn't cause gas, but it's not as powerful as psyllium (Metamucil).  I take them in combination - half a tsp of Metamucil and a heaping tbsp of Citrucel, but someone who can tolerate more psyllium may find it's more effective to increase that. 

There ya go.....literally, I hope : )