Introduction to Digestive Issues
If your digestive system’s been a bit sluggish, scientists have found some new solutions — including a fruit you might already have at home. Researchers in the United Kingdom recently published new guidelines in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics about the foods that can relieve constipation.
New Guidelines for Relieving Constipation
In an Oct. 13 news release, King’s College London said the research is the “first ever evidence-based dietary guidelines for adults with chronic constipation.” The main recommendations are kiwi, rye bread and mineral water — all of which appear to improve bowel regularity.
The Role of Fiber in Digestion
It turns out that eating plain fiber isn’t enough, according to researchers. “Our guidelines found that there simply isn’t enough evidence to suggest [fiber] actually works in constipation specifically. Instead, our research reveals some new dietary strategies that could indeed help patients,” study author Eirini Dimidi said. The main recommendations are kiwi, rye bread and mineral water — all of which appear to improve bowel regularity. luciano – stock.adobe.com
Benefits of Kiwi for Digestion
Jason Heiselman, a New York-based certified nutritionist and professional chef at Hungryroot, told Fox News Digital that kiwis contain vitamin E and an enzyme called actinidin, which can speed up digestion and combat bloating. “Feels like a no-brainer to include a few slices with any meal,” said Heiselman, who was not involved with the new study. “Pairing kiwi with some good fat sources like seeds, nuts or full-fat dairy allows your body to absorb more nutrients.” It turns out that eating plain fiber isn’t enough, according to researchers. Gbuglok – stock.adobe.com
Incorporating Kiwi into Your Diet
If you don’t have a sweet tooth for fruit salads and kiwi smoothie bowls, the fruit is an “underutilized element” in savory dishes, he said. The chef, whose family is Sicilian, is well-acquainted with kiwis, as they’ve grown on the island of Etna since the early 1900s. “Raw kiwi slices often make their way to my dinner table,” he said. “I treat them like freshly grown tomatoes and serve them with salty cheeses, toasted pistachios and shaved red onion.” If you don’t have a sweet tooth for fruit salads and kiwi smoothie bowls, the fruit is an “underutilized element” in savory dishes. zigres – stock.adobe.com
Future Directions
Dimidi, the study author, hopes that adding kiwis and other foods recommended in the study can help people “self-manage their symptoms more and improve their quality of life.” “For the first time, we’ve provided direction on what dietary approaches could genuinely help and which diet advice lacks evidence,” she said. “At the same time, we urgently need more high-quality trials to strengthen the evidence on what works and what doesn’t.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics provides new insights into the dietary management of constipation. The recommendations of kiwi, rye bread, and mineral water may help improve bowel regularity and alleviate symptoms of constipation. By incorporating these foods into their diet, individuals may be able to self-manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
FAQs
What are the main recommendations for relieving constipation?
The main recommendations are kiwi, rye bread, and mineral water, which appear to improve bowel regularity.
What is the role of fiber in digestion?
Eating plain fiber is not enough to relieve constipation, according to researchers.
How can kiwi be incorporated into a diet?
Kiwis can be paired with good fat sources like seeds, nuts, or full-fat dairy, and can also be used in savory dishes, such as with salty cheeses, toasted pistachios, and shaved red onion.
What are the benefits of kiwi for digestion?
Kiwis contain vitamin E and an enzyme called actinidin, which can speed up digestion and combat bloating.
