Patient Education Colorectal Cancer: Your Care and Recovery | Page 40

Constipation
To avoid getting constipated, you may want to try to:
• Increase your fluids, especially water
• Increase exercise, even if it means just a little extra walking
• Eat more fiber (add slowly, one at a time):
— Bran or whole grain cereals
— Fresh fruits
— Raw fruits and vegetables
— Vegetables
— Whole wheat bread
— Prunes or dates

Gas
Having gas is normal, but large amounts can be uncomfortable. Studies have
shown that diet can affect the amount of intestinal gas you produce. These
foods may produce more gas:
• Fruits: apples, apricots, bananas, citrus fruits, raisins, and prune juice
• Vegetables: beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower,
celery, eggplant, lettuce, onions, and potatoes
• Bagels, bread, and pretzels
• Milk and milk products (try drinking Lactaid Milk or taking a Lactaid
tablet with dairy products)
• Wheat germ
Dietary fat may cause increased pressure and bloating. Try decreasing the
amount of fat in your diet.

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