Q: What advice could you give to help patients avoid constipation?

A:

• Eat a diet high in fibre, including wholegrains, fruits and vegetables.
• Cut down on food low in fibre, such as white bread, cakes and sugar. 
• Drink plenty of fluids, the equivalent of at least eight to 10 glasses of water a day. Hot drinks may stimulate bowel movements.
• Take regular exercise to improve digestion and bowel function and reduce stress, which can cause constipation.
• Establish a regular bowel habit. The best time to try for a bowel motion is usually the first hour after breakfast, when the gastrocolic reflex is activated. 

REFERENCE

1. Pasternak B, Svanström H, Hviid A. Ondansetron in pregnancy and risk of adverse fetal outcomes. N Engl J Med. 2013;368:814-23. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1211035.