Family doctors in Canyon Lake, CA, provide advice to patients dealing with chronic problems that may not be particularly serious yet are still aggravating. An example is a person who has been dealing with frequent constipation for a long time. Frustration about this may eventually result in the patient expressing concern to the doctor during a routine checkup.
Increasing Fiber Intake
The person does not want to start taking over-the-counter laxatives but doesn’t know what else to do. Family doctors in Canyon Lake, CA, offer suggestions about increasing fiber intake as the first strategy. Soluble and insoluble fiber are both valuable for better digestion. This means eating more plant-based foods, which can replace some of the meat, dairy and eggs in the diet.
Soluble and Insoluble Fiber
Soluble fiber is digested and insoluble fiber passes through the system somewhat unchanged. Soluble fiber is found in fruit, legumes, numerous vegetables and oats. Insoluble fiber can be obtained by eating wheat bran and other whole grains, celery, corn, nuts and seeds. Many other foods are good sources of fiber too.
Drinking Plenty of Fluids
The second line of attack for a constipation problem is drinking plenty of water and other fluids that do not contain alcohol or caffeine. Experts still recommend about 8 cups per day. Water is preferable, but people who simply cannot stand consuming so much plain water might like to drink herbal tea or fruit-infused water. You can consult with a practitioner at Total Care Family Medical Center.