Introduction to Chronic Constipation
When it comes to the best foods for easing chronic constipation, are kiwis on your grocery list? New dietary guidelines from the British Dietetic Association, published Monday, say that kiwis — along with rye bread and certain supplements — can help improve constipation symptoms.
The guidelines, the authors say, are the first evidence-based recommendations for treating constipation with diet, not medications. Chronic constipation affects around 16% of adults worldwide, and constipation is the reason for almost 2.5 million doctors visits in the U.S. per year, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.
What is Chronic Constipation?
Constipation — defined by fewer than three bowel movements a week — is considered chronic if it lasts for more than three months. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common ones are hard or lumpy stool, stomachache and nausea. More serious symptoms of constipation include blood in stool, fever and vomiting. Constipation can be caused by diet, lifestyle, certain illnesses and injuries, and some medications. It’s extremely common, affecting people of all ages, gender and race.
How is Chronic Constipation Treated?
Dr. William Chey, professor of gastroenterology at the University of Michigan and incoming president of the American College of Gastroenterology, said most studies on treating chronic constipation have focused on fiber supplements, like psyllium, and medications, like bisacodyl, senna and amitiza. He added American guidelines “focus pretty heavily on medical therapies for chronic constipation.” Traditional constipation treatments include increasing fiber intake through foods like prunes and other fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and using different kinds of laxatives.
New Recommendations for Treating Chronic Constipation
The new guidelines include certain fiber-rich foods and fiber supplements, there’s no guidance on a “high-fiber diet” overall. Eirini Dimidi, a lead author of the guidelines, said the existing guidance for managing chronic constipation is largely focused on pharmaceuticals. The few dietary recommendations out there — eat more fiber, drink more water — are ambiguous and often lack research to back them up. The recommendations include:
- Fiber supplements: More than 10 grams of fiber supplements, such as psyllium, per day can improve stool frequency and consistency and aid in reducing straining. Fiber supplements should be slowly introduced and dosage gradually increased.
- Probiotics: Certain strains of probiotics, including, B. lactis and Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2, may help some people with symptoms. If taking one, patients should take a supplement of their choice and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for at least four weeks.
- Magnesium oxide supplements: 0.5-1.5 grams daily can help with stool frequency and consistency, reduce symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain and improve overall quality of life. Dosage should start at 0.5 grams per day and be gradually increased weekly.
- Kiwis: Three daily, with or without the skin, can help improve stool frequency but not consistency.
- Rye bread: Six to eight slices of rye bread per day can also aid stool frequency, but not consistency. The authors noted that this amount may not be realistic for some people.
- High mineral-content water: In combination with other treatments, 0.5-1.5 liters per day of high mineral-content water may also help. One of the key minerals in high mineral-content water, magnesium, is a known laxative.
Conclusion
Chronic constipation can severely impact people’s lives and limit their physical abilities, worsening their quality of life and work productivity. The new guidelines provide a valuable road map to things that people can try as they’re waiting to see their primary care physician. People with more severe cases of constipation may need to see a gastroenterologist. The release of the guidelines can “empower” those with chronic constipation, and provide personalized advice to patients that is very effective.
FAQs
- Q: What are the symptoms of chronic constipation?
A: Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common ones are hard or lumpy stool, stomachache and nausea. More serious symptoms of constipation include blood in stool, fever and vomiting. - Q: How is chronic constipation treated?
A: Traditional constipation treatments include increasing fiber intake through foods like prunes and other fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and using different kinds of laxatives. The new guidelines include certain fiber-rich foods and fiber supplements. - Q: What are the new recommendations for treating chronic constipation?
A: The recommendations include fiber supplements, probiotics, magnesium oxide supplements, kiwis, rye bread, and high mineral-content water. - Q: Can chronic constipation be caused by diet?
A: Yes, constipation can be caused by diet, lifestyle, certain illnesses and injuries, and some medications. - Q: How common is chronic constipation?
A: Chronic constipation affects around 16% of adults worldwide, and constipation is the reason for almost 2.5 million doctors visits in the U.S. per year, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.
