To effectively manage constipation while on medication that slows digestion, what two elements must be increased together?

Fiber intake and fluid intake must be increased simultaneously.

Constipation is a common hurdle when using medications that slow gastric emptying. While increasing fiber intake is essential for adding necessary bulk and regulating the system, this action alone can sometimes worsen the problem if the digestive tract is not adequately lubricated. Soluble fiber requires sufficient water to move properly through the system; without adequate fluid, the fiber can become dense and potentially contribute to blockage rather than alleviate it. Consequently, the effective management strategy mandates a dual approach: actively increasing the consumption of high-fiber foods like applesauce or ground flaxseed while strictly tracking and increasing the intake of plain water to ensure the fiber has the necessary medium to pass smoothly through the slowing digestive tract.