University of FloridaSolutions for Your Life

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Publication #FCS8565

Healthy Living: Staying Regular1

Linda B. Bobroff2

Staying regular means avoiding constipation!

About 20 percent of older persons suffer from constipation.

Why is constipation a concern?

Over time, constipation can result in hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, and the inability to have a bowel movement.

What causes constipation?

• overuse of laxatives

• limited physical activity

• not drinking enough fluids

• not eating enough fiber

• taking certain medications

How can I prevent constipation?

• Stay physically active!

• Eat foods with fiber every day.

• Drink 6 to 8 cups of non-alcoholic beverages every day.

• Use a fiber supplement if you are not able to eat enough dietary fiber every day. Talk to your doctor before using fiber supplements.

What foods contain fiber?

• Whole grain cereals

• Bran muffins

• Whole wheat bread

• Fruits and vegetables

• Popcorn

• Nuts

• Beans

Footnotes

1. La versión en español de este documento es Vida Saludable: Manteniéndose Regular (FCS8565span). This document is FCS8565, one in a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. First published: March 2000. Latest revision: September 2008. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. Linda B. Bobroff, Ph.D, RD, LD/N, professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.