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Fluids Better Than Fiber for Fighting Constipation

People complaining about constipation are usually advised to concentrate on fiber, fluids and exercise. A new study of nearly 11,000 adults has found, however, that fluid consumption makes much more difference than dietary fiber or regular exercise.
The people who got the least fluid every day from foods and beverages were more likely to report hard lumpy stool–8% of men and 13% of women. In comparison, those who consumed the greatest amount of fluids were much less likely to report the problem: just 3% of men and 8% of women. These data come from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.
It is possible that fiber has more impact on another aspect of the definition of constipation, frequency. You can learn more about many ways to combat constipation in our Guide to Constipation.
[American Journal of Gastroenterology, April 9, 2013]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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