How does fiber help treat acute constipation?
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Adding more fiber to your diet is one of the best, and easiest, ways to not only treat but prevent acute constipation. Fiber helps soften and bulk up your stools, which results in normal, regular bowel movements. Experts recommend getting 20g to 35g of fiber each day. The best sources of fiber include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulAdding more fiber to your diet is one of the best, and easiest, ways to not only treat but prevent acute constipation. Fiber helps soften and bulk up your stools, which results in normal, regular bowel movements. Experts recommend getting... More -
David Hoffmann answered:Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, jellylike texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes almost unchanged through the intestines. Fiber is often likened to a “broom” that helps sweep out the contents of your intestines.
Both soluble and insoluble fiber helps make stools soft and easy to pass. Fiber can also help prevent acute constipation.
In addition to fiber-rich foods, herbs known as bulk-forming laxatives can provide a safe treatment for the symptoms of acute constipation. They act slowly and gently, producing bowel movements in 12 to 72 hours. The full effect of this type of laxative can take a few days to occur. They are best used by gradually increasing the dose taken every morning and evening until a softer, bulkier stool is achieved, simulating the physiologic effects of a high-fiber diet. Psyllium, flax and bran are examples of such fibers.
Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, jellylike texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes almost unchanged through the intestines. Fiber... More
