Sometimes food in digestive tract doesn't move smoothly and can cause stool incontinence and constipation. What can I do?
Increase fiber by:
- Drinking adequate amounts of fluid, preferably water - 6-8 eight-ounce glasses per day
- Eating raw fruits and vegetables - keep the skin, it is a great source of fiber
- Eating dried fruits such as raisins, prunes and figs
- Eating high-fiber grains/cereal products: bran, whole-wheat flour, whole cornmeal, wheat bran cereals (All Bran, Bran Buds, Bran Chex), bran flakes (Raisin Bran), Grapenuts, Shredded Wheat
- Keeping regular meals during the day
- Talking to your health provider about the bowel program
More NCHPAD Articles on the Benefits of Adding More Fiber to Your Diet:
- Do You Need a College Degree to Read a Food Label?! - http://www.ncpad.org/310/1916/Do~You~Need~a~Degree~to~Read~a~Food~Label~
- Bowel Dysfunction Equals a Need for Increased Dietary Fiber - http://www.ncpad.org/306/1906/Bowel~Dysfunction~Equals~a~Need~for~Increased~Dietary~Fiber
Drink Water!
Remember when you increase your fiber intake fluid intake must also be increased. Fiber absorbs lots of fluid in digestive tract. Without sufficient fluid, you may get constipated. So drink up!
How hydrated are you? Learn more about hydration by reading the NCHPAD TipSheet on Water (http://www.ncpad.org/91/688/Water).