General Health Information

While fiber is essential to everyone’s diet, it is especially critical
in the elderly as it softens stool and helps stool pass through the
gastrointestinal tract easier. Compare to any fiber supplements, fiber
from fruits and vegetables is always more beneficial. It is because
fruits and vegetables offer fiber in small doses. Fiber supplements
should be initiated at the smallest possible dose and only after
consulting with a physician. It’s better to build up to taking enough
fiber to increase regularity. Soluble fiber relieves constipation
slower than insoluble fiber but both are effective treatment options
with chronic constipation problems. Certain foods contain substances
other than fiber that relieve constipation. The best-known food remedy from chronic constipation
is prunes which contain sorbitol and other sugars. As the sugars
dissolve in the intestines, they draw water into the lumen, or central
cavity, and help to soften stool making it easier to vacate from the
body.