Constipation and the preached trio: diet, fluid intake, exercise. Annells M, Koch T. RDNS Helen Macpherson Smith Institute of Community Health, La Trobe University, Australia A survey of 90 older community-dwelling people's constipation experience is reported in part. The focus is the participants' efforts to use diet, fluid intake and exercise as preventive strategies. Most feel that they have been preached to in this regard. However, constraints may prevent full adherence to the trio and although some have gained from diet adjustment, the majority is disillusioned about these strategies. Nurses should be aware that scientific and medical literature is discussing evidence that dietary fibre intake preventing constipation is not proven, that fluid intake does not necessarily determine stool bulk or speed colon transit time, and that there is no proven link between exercise levels and chronic constipation. Int J Nurs Stud. 2003 Nov;40(8):843-52. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.