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
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