For many people, constipation is a recurring issue often managed through standard advice to eat more fiber and drink plenty of water.
These recommendations have long been a cornerstone of clinical practice, yet they rest on limited scientific evidence.
Recent findings published in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society suggest that this traditional approach may not deliver the desired relief for individuals suffering from chronic constipation.
An international team of researchers, including dietitians, gastroenterologists, nutritionists, and general practitioners, analyzed more than 75 clinical trials.
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Their review resulted in 59 evidence-based recommendations that together form the first comprehensive dietary guidelines for adults with chronic constipation.
A new approach to management
The new guidelines, endorsed by the British Dietetic Association, emphasize a more personalized strategy based on individual symptoms.
Instead of broad dietary advice, the researchers highlight specific foods and supplements with proven benefits.
Among the most promising options are rye bread, high-mineral water, psyllium fiber, certain probiotic strains, and magnesium oxide.
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Interestingly, the researchers found that the conventional recommendation to simply increase total fiber intake lacks sufficient evidence of effectiveness.
Moreover, many previous studies were of low quality, often testing single dietary components rather than overall eating patterns.
The surprising key to relief
The most striking conclusion from the extensive review was that one particular fruit may have a significant positive impact on digestion among people with chronic constipation.
According to the researchers, consuming kiwifruit can improve bowel function and substantially reduce symptoms.
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The combination of soluble fiber, enzymes, and bioactive compounds in the fruit is believed to contribute to this effect.
Lead study author Dr. Eirini Dimidi recommends eating two to three kiwifruits per day and wrote in an email to CNN Health:
“With kiwifruit, because it’s so well-tolerated, you usually can just step right into that dose, as opposed to prunes, for example, where you want to more gradually work up to that dose of six to eight prunes per day”.
Although the researchers emphasize the need for more high-quality studies, these new dietary recommendations represent a step toward more precise and personalized treatment strategies.
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As always, individuals are advised to consult their healthcare provider before making dietary changes.
This article is based on information from Popular Science, CNN Health, and Proceedings of the Nutrition Society.
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