Nutrition for Constipation

For relief from constipation, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends:

• Add fiber and fluid to your diet. Increase fiber slowly to 25 to 35 grams per day. This keeps symptoms from getting worse as your body adjusts to the higher fiber level.
• Eat whole grain breads and cereals. Look for choices with 100% whole wheat, rye, oats or bran as the first or second ingredient.
• Eat brown or wild rice instead of white rice or potatoes.
• Enjoy a variety of grains. Good choices include barley, oats, kamut and quinoa.
• Bake with whole wheat flour. Use it to replace some white or all-purpose flour in recipes.
• Add dried beans and peas to casseroles or soups.
• Choose fresh fruit and vegetables instead of juices.
• Eat fruits and vegetables with peels or skins on.
• Compare food labels of similar foods to find higher-fiber choices.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Set a goal of at least 8 cups per day. You may need even more with higher amounts of fiber.

Learn how the right nutrition can help you control your health condition. Ask your primary care physician to refer you to Goshen Hospital Nutrition Therapy.

For more information about nutrition therapy services offered at Goshen Hospital, call (574) 364-2679.

For relief from constipation, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends:

• Add fiber and fluid to your diet. Increase fiber slowly to 25 to 35 grams per day. This keeps symptoms from getting worse as your body adjusts to the higher fiber level.
• Eat whole grain breads and cereals. Look for choices with 100% whole wheat, rye, oats or bran as the first or second ingredient.
• Eat brown or wild rice instead of white rice or potatoes.
• Enjoy a variety of grains. Good choices include barley, oats, kamut and quinoa.
• Bake with whole wheat flour. Use it to replace some white or all-purpose flour in recipes.
• Add dried beans and peas to casseroles or soups.
• Choose fresh fruit and vegetables instead of juices.
• Eat fruits and vegetables with peels or skins on.
• Compare food labels of similar foods to find higher-fiber choices.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Set a goal of at least 8 cups per day. You may need even more with higher amounts of fiber.

Learn how the right nutrition can help you control your health condition. Ask your primary care physician to refer you to Goshen Hospital Nutrition Therapy.

For more information about nutrition therapy services offered at Goshen Hospital, call (574) 364-2679.