Final answer:
Mr. Jones should avoid taking over-the-counter laxatives. He should instead focus on a high-fiber diet, adequate water intake, and regular exercise to manage constipation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mr. Jones, who is suffering from constipation, should avoid taking over-the-counter laxatives without medical advice, as they can be habit-forming and make the colon work less efficiently over time. Instead, he should eat a balanced diet high in fiber, particularly insoluble fiber which helps to prevent or correct constipation by increasing the bulk of feces and promoting the movement of waste through the digestive tract. Foods such as wheat bran, beans, potatoes, cabbage, bell peppers, and grapes are good sources of this type of fiber. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of water to maintain normal stool consistency and to get regular exercise to stimulate the natural bowel movements.