As a natural laxative, fiber adds bulk to one's stool and speeds up the bowel movement process. Adding fiber to one's diet can really help to alleviate constipation discomfort. However, care should be taken when eating fiber as a sudden increase in fiber intake can have negative effects such as an increase in bloating and gas. Ideally, one should start consuming small fibrous meals in the morning and gradually increase their intake. A person needs at least 25 grams of dietary fiber per day, so try sprinkling barley flakes on stew to see if there is a marked difference in your digestive process.

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