Treatment does not mean simply prescribing a laxative. The treatment includes re-education of the patient. Constipation can be tackled effectively with a fibre-rich diet, plenty of fluids and exercise.

Approximately 30 gm of fibre a day is necessary to keep the digestive system in good working condition. Food from animal sources contains very little or no fibre. Fibre-rich vegetables include turnip, lady's finger, radish, beans, cabbage, cucumber, potato, corn, broccoli, peas, carrot, onion, tomato, green pepper, bitter gourd, asparagus, brinjal, beetroot, sprouts, leafy greens and cauliflower.

Fruits rich in fibre include avocado, guava, apricot, fig, date, gooseberry, mango, orange, pear, bel, apple, jamun, papaya, pomegranate, plum, peach, kiwi fruit and grapes.

Fibre rich legumes include kidney beans (rajma), black beans, all pulses, black-eyed peas and split peas.... ?id=2929