A male client increases daily fiber intake quickly to 60 g/day and complains of constipation and dry mouth. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate recommendation?

• A. Advise continuing the high-fiber intake but recommend taking over-the-counter laxatives routinely to manage constipation symptoms
• B. Reduce fiber to a lower level, increase water intake (aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses daily), and slow future increases to allow gastrointestinal adaptation
• C. Tell him to double his current fluid intake immediately and add large amounts of insoluble fiber supplements without changing the rate of increase, because dehydration is never a cause of constipation with high fiber
• D. Recommend eliminating all fiber sources and switching to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet to quickly resolve GI symptoms

Answer: (B)