This is according to the first ever scientifically proven Dietary recommendations for adults with chronic constipation. Published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics And magazine Neurogastroenterology and motilityNew recommendations also suggest that taking psyllium fiber supplements, certain probiotic strains, and magnesium oxide supplements may help relieve constipation.
Kiwi, rye bread and water high in minerals, psyllium supplements, certain probiotic strains, and magnesium oxide supplements are recommended to improve specific constipation results. Image credit: Aziz3625.
Constipation is a long-term condition that significantly impacts quality of life and imposes a significant financial burden on both patients and healthcare systems.
Until now, clinical guidelines have offered only limited and sometimes outdated dietary recommendations, usually increasing fiber and fluid intake.
Unlike previous recommendations, the new recommendations are based on numerous rigorous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as well as the application of the GRADE system for assessing the quality of evidence.
“The new guidance marks a promising step towards improving the ability of healthcare professionals and their patients to manage constipation through diet,” said King's College London professor Kevin Whelan.
“This means that people suffering from constipation around the world can now receive up-to-date advice based on the best available evidence to improve their symptoms and well-being.”
“With continued research, it has real potential for long-term improvements in quality of life.”
Professor Whelan and his colleagues reviewed more than 75 clinical trials to come up with 59 recommendations and identify 12 research priorities.
“Chronic constipation can have a huge impact on a person's daily life,” said Dr Eirini Dimidi, from King's College London.
“For the first time, we have provided guidance on which dietary approaches may actually help and which dietary recommendations lack evidence.”
“The ability to improve this condition through dietary changes will allow people to better self-manage their symptoms and hopefully improve their quality of life.”
The recommendations also focus on constipation outcomes such as stool frequency, stool consistency, tension, and quality of life, making them more practical for individualized care based on the specific symptoms each person experiences.
A clinician-friendly tool has also been developed to support the implementation of these recommendations into daily practice around the world.
A review of the evidence found that while some foods and supplements are effective, the overall quality of existing research is low.
Most studies have focused solely on single interventions rather than comprehensive dietary approaches, highlighting the urgent need for better nutritional research for the treatment of constipation.
“A high-fiber diet has many benefits for overall health and is the main recommendation for constipation,” Dr. Dimidi said.
“However, our recommendations showed that there is simply not enough evidence that it actually works for constipation.”
“Instead, our study reveals some new dietary strategies that may actually help patients.”
“At the same time, we urgently need more high-quality research to strengthen the evidence about what works and what doesn’t.”
