Discuss the types, causes and dietary management of constipation.

1. 1 · Open in two lines. Constipation is the passing of infrequent, hard stools with straining. Most cases respond to diet and lifestyle.
2. 2 · Types.
   • Atonic: weak colon muscles.
   • Spastic: irregular tight contractions, pellet stools.
   • Obstructive: blockage; needs medical care.
3. 3 · Causes and symptoms. Low fibre and fluid, inactivity, ignoring the urge, drugs, pregnancy; hard stools, bloating, headache, piles.
4. 4 · Draw how fibre works. [Flow: fibre + water → soft, bulky stool → stretches colon wall → faster movement → easy passage]
5. 5 · Diet principles. Fibre 25-40 g raised slowly, 8-10 glasses of fluid, curd, normal fat, regular meals; soluble fibre for spastic type.
6. 6 · Foods to include and avoid, then a menu. Whole grains, millets, sprouts, greens, guava, figs, isabgol; avoid maida and processed snacks; give a one-day menu.
7. 7 · Close in one line. Fibre, fluid and activity together keep the bowel regular.

Scoring tip: Name the three types first; many students forget obstructive constipation, which needs a doctor, not a diet.