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If you are constipated chronically, of course you should ask your doctor about it. One very common cause of constipation is lack of fiber. Take a few minutes to learn and feel better for life!
Fiber Basics
The term dietary fiber refers to indigestible carbohydrates that are indigestible by humans. These substances cannot be broken down within the stomach, and so they remain intact as they pass into the intestinal system. It comes from the cell walls of plants and is found in the human diet in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Dietary fiber is typically classified into two types, soluble and insoluble, and both make up important parts of a well-balanced diet.
Fiber is essential to human health in a number of ways. However, most Americans are not eating enough! The National Institute of Health and the American Dietetic Association both recommend that older children, adolescents and adults should eat between 20 and 35 grams of fiber every day, depending on weight. However, most Americans are only eating between 10 and 15 grams each day. The solution is to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. To find out which foods have the most fiber, or to look up specific foods, check out our "Sources of Fiber" page. Also, for the best effect it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Eight glasses of water a day is still the gold standard. And constipation responds to a diet filled with fiber
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