walmart carries a generic emodium that I find helps tremendously. Its the EQUATE Brand. My doctor said that it doesn't hurt to take this on a continual basis as its just a stool forming additive. I always take one when I'm going to eat out or golf...no surprises PLEASE, ha I will try and watch the additives in food, never thought about that...thanks so much, I guess I'm not alone in this problem. Another thing my doctor told me is to be sure and take calcium tablets because everyone complains about them. I find they do help also for some reason....I TRY everything....thanks so much to all who replied...