People complaining about constipation are usually advised to concentrate on fiber, fluids and exercise. A new study of nearly 11,000 adults has found, however, that fluid consumption makes much more difference than dietary fiber or regular exercise.
The people who got the least fluid every day from foods and beverages were more likely to report hard lumpy stool–8% of men and 13% of women. In comparison, those who consumed the greatest amount of fluids were much less likely to report the problem: just 3% of men and 8% of women. These data come from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.
It is possible that fiber has more impact on another aspect of the definition of constipation, frequency. You can learn more about many ways to combat constipation in our Guide to Constipation.
[American Journal of Gastroenterology, April 9, 2013]
