Which statement about diet and constipation is true?

Which statement about diet and constipation is true?

• A. A diet that includes whole-grain foods may help relieve constipation
• B. A diet low in fiber relieves constipation
• C. A diet with high sugar improves constipation
• D. Constipation cannot be relieved by diet

Answer: (A)

A key idea here is that dietary fiber in foods like whole grains can relieve constipation by increasing stool bulk and speeding up how quickly it moves through the intestines. Whole-grain foods provide insoluble fiber that adds mass to stools, which stimulates regular bowel movements and reduces transit time. This works best when you also drink enough fluids, since water helps fiber soften and move smoothly through the gut. So including whole-grain foods is a practical and effective approach for many people to improve constipation. Conversely, a diet low in fiber tends to worsen constipation, and simply consuming a lot of sugar doesn’t meaningfully improve stool passage.

A key idea here is that dietary fiber in foods like whole grains can relieve constipation by increasing stool bulk and speeding up how quickly it moves through the intestines. Whole-grain foods provide insoluble fiber that adds mass to stools, which stimulates regular bowel movements and reduces transit time. This works best when you also drink enough fluids, since water helps fiber soften and move smoothly through the gut. So including whole-grain foods is a practical and effective approach for many people to improve constipation. Conversely, a diet low in fiber tends to worsen constipation, and simply consuming a lot of sugar doesn’t meaningfully improve stool passage.