Chronic constipation is a common condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. However, new evidence-based dietary guidelines led by researchers at King’s College London are providing much-needed direction on how to manage this condition through diet.
According to the guidelines, foods like kiwifruits, rye bread, and high mineral-content water can help alleviate chronic constipation. Additionally, taking psyllium fiber supplements, certain probiotic strains, and magnesium oxide supplements have been shown to improve constipation symptoms.
The guidelines, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics and Neurogastroenterology & Motility, are endorsed by the British Dietetic Association and aim to transform the way healthcare professionals manage chronic constipation. These recommendations are based on rigorous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, providing clinicians with evidence-based strategies for personalized care.
Dr. Eirini Dimidi, lead author of the guidelines, emphasized the importance of these dietary approaches in improving quality of life for individuals with chronic constipation. The recommendations focus on specific constipation outcomes, such as stool frequency and quality of life, making them practical for individualized care.
While a high-fiber diet has long been recommended for constipation, the guidelines suggest that there is not enough evidence to support its effectiveness in this specific condition. Instead, the guidelines highlight new dietary strategies that could help patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
Professor Kevin Whelan, senior author of the guidelines, believes that these recommendations will empower healthcare professionals and patients to manage constipation through diet. By providing up-to-date advice based on the best available evidence, individuals with constipation can receive tailored guidance to improve their symptoms and well-being.
Overall, the new dietary guidelines for chronic constipation offer a promising step towards improving the management of this common condition. With continued research and a focus on high-quality trials, these guidelines have the potential to drive lasting improvements in quality of life for individuals with chronic constipation.
