Constipation
Lifestyle modifications
NUTRITION
High fiber diet, 20-35g/d (1, 2)
Adequate fluid intake (1)
Prunes (dried plums) are as effective as psyllium in releiving constipation and may be an alternative to laxatives (1, 2)
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular non-strenous exercise, particularly if patients are sedentary or physically inactive (1)
Avoid postponing bowel movements when urge to defecate is felt (1)
References
1) https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/154/management-approach
2) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/management-of-chronic-constipation-in-adults
Resources
EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION
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Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD
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Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE
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Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in plain font
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Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE
Figure: Evidence pyramid