Diets for Chronic Constipation

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, constipation is a condition characterized by having less than three bowel movements in a week---with those bowel movements often being painful or difficult. While it is often a temporary condition, constipation can occasionally become a chronic concern, necessitating a targeted dietary approach to help cleanse the body.

Conspitation Causes

• Determine the root cause of your constipation to help you better decide how to treat it. There are two general sources of constipation: dietary causes and medical causes---and they require opposite approaches. Therefore, the first step is determining which one you have. If you are unable to decide on a clear medical cause, your constipation is likely a result of a dietary issue.

Constipation Solutions

• Consult with your physician to determine whether your constipation is medical in nature. Through discussion with your physician, it is likely that you will be able to develop a treatment to alleviate some of your symptoms, whether that involves changing medication or taking some other measure. If your constipation is brought on by dietary causes, increase your overall fiber intake as the first step. Aim to consume between 25 and 35 grams of fiber per day, split evenly throughout your daily meals and divided equally between soluble and insoluble sources. Good fiber sources include fruits, vegetables and whole grains such as oats, barley, wheat and rye. The second step is to increase your fluid consumption eight to 10 8-oz. glasses of water per day. If this fails to cure your problem, consider taking a bulking agent such as psyillium husks---a type of fiber that can help increase the volume of your stool and make it easier to go.