Constipation Management with Dietitian and Nutritionist

A dietitian and nutritionist can help manage constipation in the following ways:

• Constipation is a very prevalent digestive issue which qualified dietitians and nutritionists can help manage. Approximately 25% of Canadians have experienced it at some point.
• Like other digestive issues, occasional constipation can be ‘normal’ if perhaps an individual goes through a period of inadequate fluid and/or fibre intake, requires medication that causes stool backup or experiences a change in environment (i.e. travelling or being outside of home when they experience an urge to a pass a bowel movement, etc.).
• If constipation is experienced on a regular basis, and the above scenarios are not applicable, there may be other etiology responsible. A dietitian will help determine this.
• Constipation can be associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticular disease, gastrointestinal cancers, hypothyroidism, neurological conditions, and so on, and this is where the dietitian’s guidance is indispensable.
• Working with a registered dietitian (RD) can help you determine if there are specific dietary habits or foods that may be contributing to constipation and/or help you make adjustments to your diet and lifestyle to assist with constipation management.
• Registered dietitians and nutritionists can give you direction around how much fluid and fibre you may require to empty your bowels more often, in addition to meal planning around these adjustments.
• Dietitians can also help you determine if any supplements are contributing to constipation, and provide recommendations on supplements that may resolve constipation.
• Provide support and guidance to achieve optimal overall health.
• Create personalized meal plan for the given condition and to help alleviate constipation.
• Provide follow-up sessions to monitor progress, address additional concerns and answer questions, if necessary.
• And more.