Nutrition Guide:
For People Living with Cancer Constipation

How can I cope with constipation?

Constipation may be caused by many factors. These could include using certain medications (e.g. pain medications, sedatives and antidepressants), eating mostly soft or liquid foods which are low in fiber, and/or being less physically active. Try these ideas to help you manage constipation:

• It is important to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluid a day. This will help soften your stool.
• If you are using medications that have made you constipated, you may need to limit your use of high fiber foods. These foods can make constipation worse for some people on medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think that you medication is making you constipated.
• If you are not using medications that cause constipation, try using high fiber foods to help soften your stool. Use High Fiber Foods to help increase the fiber in your diet.
• Take a walk if you are up to it. Exercise helps to ease constipation.
• If none of these suggestions works for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which medications may help to ease your constipation.

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