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Publication #FCS8565

 

Healthy Living: Tips for Staying Regular1

Linda B. Bobroff2

Staying regular means avoiding constipation!

Constipation means having a bowel movement fewer than three times a week. Stools are usually hard and can be painful to pass. Constipation is common among older adults.

Why is constipation a concern?

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

What causes constipation?

  • Not eating enough fiber

  • Taking certain medications

  • Limited physical activity

  • Overuse of laxatives

  • Dehydration

How can I prevent constipation?

  • Eat foods with fiber every day.

  • Stay physically active!

  • Drink enough fluids every day to avoid dehydration.

  • 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?

Figure 1. 

Legumes are great sources of dietary fiber as well as many other nutrients.


Credit:

Polka Dot Images


[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

  • High-fiber cereals

  • Bran muffins

  • Beans (like kidney, pinto, and black beans)

  • High-fiber bread

  • Fruits and vegetables

  • Popcorn and nuts

For more information about fiber, see Facts about Fiber at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy849 and Guide to Fiber Supplements at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs162.

Footnotes

1.

La versión en español de este documento es Vida Saludable: Manteniéndose Regular (FCS8565-Span). This document is FCS8565, one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. First published: March 2000. Latest revision January 2013. Please visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Linda B. Bobroff, PhD, RD, LD/N, professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 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. Nick T. Place, Dean.