Question

Brenda is a 26 year old female who is being discharged from the hospital after a vaginal delivry of 8 pound healthy infant. Brenda is instructed by the nurse to eat a diet high in fiber and 8 glasses of water per day to prevent constipation. Rxplain the role of fiber and water to promote defecation

Answer 1

ANSWER) Constipation is related to dehydration of colon and difficulty in passing stools.
# Role of Water

When the body is properly hydrated, less water will be withdrawn from the colon. This will keep the stool soft and easy to pass.

# Role of fibres

• Fibre is simply the indigestible part of plants foods, commonly referred to as ‘bulk’ or ‘roughage’.
• It is predominantly a carbohydrate, and it is unique as it remains relatively unchanged as it passes through our bodies.

There are three different types of fibre :-

• Soluble fibre helps slow the emptying process in our stomach, making us feel fuller for longer.
• Insoluble fibre utilises the water that we consume to help soften our bowels, support regular bowel movements and just ensure that our overall bowel environment is healthy.
• Resistant starch is the type of fibre that not absorbed in the small intestine, instead making its way to the large intestine where it assists in the production of good bacteria and maintains bowel health.