Key strategies to assist with constipation:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Be active.
- Everyday movement is good for bowel function.
- Increase fibre intake slowly.
- Consume fibre from a range of foods (see below).
- Discuss with your treating team if a fibre supplement or laxative could help
Who can help?
- Treating Doctor
- Nurse
- Dietitian
When adding fibre to the diet, increase slowly and ensure you drink plenty of fluids. Include the following foods to help reach your daily fibre target:
Breads and cereals
≥ 4 serves per day
1 serve = e.g. 1 slice bread or 1/3 cup oats
Vegetables or legumes
≥ 3 serves per day
1 serve = e.g. 1 cup salad or 1/2 cup cooked vegetables
Fruit
≥ 2 serves per day
1 serve = e.g. 1 piece of medium fruit
Tips to add more fibre to your diet:
- Eat breakfast cereals that contain high fibre grains like barley, wheat or oats
- Top cereal with Linseeds, Sunflower Seeds, Almonds (LSA) or chia sees
- Choose wholemeal or wholegrain products for example bread, pasta or brown rice
- Grate vegetables into meals
- Add lentils/legumes to meals
- Snack on whole fruit, vegetable sticks, dried fruit or nuts
- Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids
