National Cancer Institute Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects Constipation Take these steps: Eat high-fiber foods such as: l l l Whole-grain breads and cereals Fruits and vegetables Nuts, seeds, and popcorn Turn this sheet over to learn what other foods may help. Drink lots of liquids. l Most people need to drink at least 8 cups of liquid every day. Water is a good choice. So are fruit and vegetable juices, such as prune juice. Warm liquids such as coffee or tea may help. l “I had a hard time going to the bathroom. I also had cramps and gas. Drinking lots of water and eating high-fiber foods, like fruit and whole-grain bread, helped me.” Try to be active every day. l Walk or ride an exercise bike for 15 to 30 minutes a day. Talk with your doctor to learn about other exercises that can help you. l What is constipation? Are you having bowel movements that come less often than normal for you, are painful, or are hard to pass? This is called “constipation.” Let your doctor or nurse know if you have not had a bowel movement in 2 days or if you have pain in your rectal area. u.s. Department of health anD human services national institutes of health Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects: Constipation These foods may help if you are constipated: Breads and grains • Bran muffins • Bran or whole-grain cereals • Brown or wild rice • Cooked, dried peas and beans (such as pinto, black, red, or kidney) • Whole-wheat bread • Whole-wheat pasta and tortillas Fruits and vegetables • Dried fruit, such as apricots, dates, prunes, and raisins • Fresh fruit, such as apples, blueberries, and grapes • Raw or cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, corn, green beans, peas, and spinach Snacks • Granola • Nuts • Popcorn • Seeds, such as sunflower Ask your doctor or nurse which foods are best for you. FrEE SErviCES To LEArn MorE national Cancer institute Cancer information Service Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) TTY: 1-800-332-8615 online: www.cancer.gov Chat online: www.cancer.gov/help Questions to ask your doctor or nurse: 1. What problems should I call you about? 2. Should I write down each time I have a bowel movement? 3. How much liquid should I drink each day? 4. What medicines are okay for me to take? 5. What exercises can help me? 6. Can you give me the name of a nutritionist, so I can learn more about foods that might help me? nih publication no. 09-6461 reprinted september 2009