Constipation%20in%20adults%20-%20chronic%20functional Patient Education

• Engage in regular exercise
• Inform patient that therapy is comprehensive in order to restore the defecation physiology
• Reassure and explain about normal bowel habits and routine toileting
  • Encourage patients to defecate when colonic activity is highest (eg upon waking, after meals)
• Advise patient to consider reducing or stopping intake of constipating medications if possible

Dietary Modification

• Patients should be advised to gradually increase their soluble dietary fiber
  • If possible, dietary fiber via fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains should be increased to 25-30 g/day
  • If this is not effective, commercial soluble fiber supplements (eg bulk-producing laxatives, maltodextrin) may be added
• Patients may be encouraged to maintain adequate hydration (2-2.5 L/day), though increased fluid intake does not appear to relieve chronic constipation except in those who are dehydrated
• Estimate caloric intake as caloric restriction may result in constipation