Digestive processes are one of the biggest topics of conversation these days. That’s why scientists in the United Kingdom reviewed 75 clinical trials and developed the first dietary guidelines for treating constipation in adults. In this guide, kiwi, rye bread, water, and magnesium are essential for relieving this condition.
The British Dietetic Association’s new dietary guidelines: kiwis, along with rye bread and certain supplements, can help improve the symptoms of constipation
Sometimes, the direction the world has taken has led to a large portion of the food consumed in large cities being highly processed. This, combined with a poor lifestyle with high levels of stress, dehydration, etc., can lead to gastric or digestive problems such as chronic constipation. The British Dietetic Association’s new dietary guidelines, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietetics and Neurogastroenterology & Motility, indicate that kiwis, along with rye bread and certain supplements, can help improve the symptoms of constipation.
It’s important to lead a lifestyle in which exercise, walks in the fresh air, tranquility, and slowing down are part of our daily routines
It’s scientifically proven that emotions and mental health are closely linked to the health of our organs and their functioning. Therefore, along with the introduction of these foods, it’s important to lead a lifestyle in which exercise, walks in the fresh air, tranquility, and slowing down are part of our daily routines. The study we’re referring to was led by Eirini Dimidi, a specialist in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London, along with Professor Kevin Whelan, Professor of Dietetics at the same institution.
This is a relevant topic since chronic constipation affects millions of adults and impairs their quality of life. Specifically, chronic constipation affects around 16% of adults worldwide, and constipation is the reason for almost 2.5 million doctor visits in the U.S. per year, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Therefore, to develop the new guidelines, the authors analyzed clinical trials and evaluated the effectiveness of each method for managing constipation.
“The clinical trials included in the dietary guidelines did not detect serious adverse effects from regular kiwifruit consumption in healthy individuals with chronic constipation”
For people with this condition, until now, clinical recommendations have been limited to suggesting increased fiber and fluid intake, without sufficient support from rigorous studies. Regarding kiwifruit, Dr. Dimidi said: “The clinical trials included in the dietary guidelines did not detect serious adverse effects from regular kiwifruit consumption in healthy individuals with chronic constipation. Most participants reported good tolerance, and only a small proportion reported occasional mild bloating.” We mention kiwifruit primarily because of its more popular use in alleviating this condition.
Fiber supplements, Probiotics, Magnesium and high-mineral-content water
The new recommendations go hand in hand with fiber supplements. More than 10 grams of fiber supplements, such as psyllium, per day can improve stool frequency. Probiotics are also a great help, especially certain strains of probiotics, including B. lactis and Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2. Magnesium oxide supplements: 0.5–1.5 grams daily can help with stool frequency and consistency and reduce symptoms. Six to eight slices of rye bread also help, although they do not work the same way for everyone, as is evident. Finally, high-mineral-content water, which in combination with other treatments, 0.5–1.5 liters per day of high-mineral-content water may also help.
Ultimately, chronic constipation is something that can severely hinder a person’s life and limit their abilities. “If you suffer from chronic constipation, you may not even be able to engage in physical activity, as you feel bloated, aching, and in discomfort, which can affect your mood,” said Anderson-Haynes, a nutrition expert. Therefore, with the right information, the necessary counseling, and controlled levels, chronic constipation is a condition that can be better managed.
