Emergency rooms admit more constipated people than ever. Researchers estimate in the U.S. there are 500,000 annual emergency room (ER) visits for constipation. Each visit averages $2300 in costs. That adds up to $1.6 billion dollars yearly. In most cases a plant-based diet rich in dietary fiber combined with adequate fluids and physical activity will prevent this problem. Taking a dietary fiber supplement (available over-the-counter at all pharmacies) with an otherwise fiber-depleted diet can also help. So help unclog the wait at the ER!
Eat a fiber-rich diet, drink enough water, and walk every day.
Fred Hardinge DrPH, RD
Source: PositiveChoices.com. Used with permission.