dietary and lifestyle advice in management of constipation

Last reviewed 10/2023

• diets with a high fibre content are effective in increasing stool weight and bowel movement frequency
  • the effects of a high fibre diet (e.g. approximately 30g per day) may occur after a few days
  • however a high fibre diet should be tried for at least a month before its effects are determined
• it is important to ensure an adequate fluid intake (e.g. two litres of water/day) if a patient is on a high fibre diet
  • note though that drinking this amount of fluid is problematic for some people
• a high-fibre diet should be used with caution in patients who have obstructive symptoms or faecal impaction, and may be ineffective in slow-transit constipation (e.g. secondary to opioid use) or if constipation is caused by a defecatory disorder (1)
• there is evidence from observational studies suggest an association between constipation and reduced physical activity - therefore encouraging exercise is especially good health advice for patients with constipation, where lack of mobility may be a contributing factor

Reference:

1. MeReC Bulletin (2004); 14(6)21-4.