That’s according to the first-ever evidence-based dietary guidelines for adults with chronic constipation. Published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and the magazine Neurogastroenterology and motilityThe new guidelines also show that taking psyllium fiber supplements, certain strains of probiotics, and magnesium oxide supplements may help improve constipation.
Kiwifruit, rye bread and mineral-rich water, psyllium supplements, certain strains of probiotics and magnesium oxide supplements are recommended to improve specific constipation outcomes. Image credit: Aziz3625.
Constipation is a long-term condition that has a significant impact on quality of life and represents a considerable financial burden for both patients and healthcare systems.
Until now, clinical guidelines have offered only limited and sometimes outdated dietary recommendations, typically increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake.
Unlike previous guidelines, the new recommendations are based on numerous rigorous systematic reviews and meta-analyses and apply the GRADE framework to assess the quality of evidence.
“The new guidelines mark a promising step towards empowering healthcare professionals and their patients to manage constipation through diet,” said Kevin Whelan, professor at King’s College London.
“This means that from now on, people suffering from constipation across the world can receive up-to-date advice, based on the best available evidence, to improve their symptoms and well-being.”
“Through continued research, there is real potential to generate lasting improvements in quality of life. »
Professor Whelan and colleagues reviewed more than 75 clinical trials to create 59 recommendation statements and identify 12 research priorities.
“Chronic constipation can have a huge impact on a person’s daily life,” said Dr Eirini Dimidi of King’s College London.
“For the first time, we have provided guidance on which dietary approaches might genuinely help and which dietary advice lacks evidence.”
“Being able to improve this condition through dietary changes would allow people to better self-manage their symptoms and hopefully improve their quality of life.”
The recommendations also focus on constipation outcomes such as bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, straining and quality of life, making them more practical for personalized care based on the specific symptoms experienced by each individual.
A clinician-friendly tool has also been developed to support the adoption of these guidelines into daily practice across the world.
The review of the evidence found that while some foods and supplements are effective, the overall quality of existing studies is low.
Most trials focused narrowly on single interventions rather than comprehensive dietary approaches, highlighting the urgent need for better nutritional research in the management of constipation.
“A diet rich in fiber provides many benefits for overall health and is a go-to recommendation for constipation,” said Dr. Dimidi.
“However, our guidelines found that there is simply not enough evidence to suggest that it actually works for constipation.”
“Instead, our research reveals new dietary strategies that could actually help patients. »
“At the same time, we urgently need more high-quality trials to strengthen the evidence on what works and what doesn’t. »
