Harry

It is considered constipation if you don't have a BM every 3 days. For some people that is normal but chances are he is not eating enough fiber or drinking enough water daily!!

A person is suppose to get 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily for their intestines to function like they are suppose to--- FIBER is what causes the contractions of your intestines so fecal matter can move well.
The fiber has to be a combination of the type that absorbs water(soluble) and the type that does not absorb water( insoluble).

There are basically 3 things you have to do for your intestines to function normally. Intake enough fiber, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water and exercise daily.

Most people don't eat enough water soluble fiber foods. There is no fiber in all meats/ seafood and all dairy products so the fiber has to be obtained from fruits, grains, vegetables and beans.

I suggest that your son start taking a water soluble fiber supplement like Metamucil or Equate from Wal Mart. It contains psyllium, anatrual fiber, that absorbs water and retains it so a BM is not hard but contains some water. It's safe to take daily and it will make him regular and have BMs without straining so he doesn't develop hemorrhoids or cancer.

Psyllium is a natural fiber so it is brokendown by intestinal bacteria resulting in GAS when you first start using it but it will go away as the intestines get use to it. It also is very unique ---It works for diarrhea as well as constipation.

Colon cancer is second only to lung cancer for the number of cancer related deaths. Poor bowels habits are the primary cause!!!
Making sure you intake enough fiber is just a healthy thing to do~

I wish you both well---Harry