Constipation management includes which dietary change?

Constipation management includes which dietary change?

• A. Increase fiber
• B. Increase protein
• C. Increase caffeine
• D. Decrease fluids

Answer: (A)

Increasing dietary fiber is the most effective way to help with constipation because fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps retain water, making stools softer and easier to pass. Insoluble fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and bran increases stool volume and speeds movement through the colon, while soluble fiber from oats, fruits, and legumes forms a gel that can soften stool. Since fiber works by drawing water into the stool, it’s important to drink enough fluids as you increase fiber and to do so gradually to minimize bloating or gas. Increased protein doesn’t target stool bulk or transit, caffeine’s effects are inconsistent for constipation and can contribute to dehydration in some people, and decreasing fluids would worsen constipation.

Increasing dietary fiber is the most effective way to help with constipation because fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps retain water, making stools softer and easier to pass. Insoluble fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and bran increases stool volume and speeds movement through the colon, while soluble fiber from oats, fruits, and legumes forms a gel that can soften stool. Since fiber works by drawing water into the stool, it’s important to drink enough fluids as you increase fiber and to do so gradually to minimize bloating or gas. Increased protein doesn’t target stool bulk or transit, caffeine’s effects are inconsistent for constipation and can contribute to dehydration in some people, and decreasing fluids would worsen constipation.