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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

Resources

Evidence Pyramid

EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION

Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD

Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE

Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in plain font

Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE

Figure: Evidence pyramid

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