Forget fibre. Science has just found foods that really help treat constipation

The team’s work represents the first comprehensive, evidence-based nutritional recommendations specifically for adults with long-term constipation. The research also found that supplements such as psyllium fiber, some probiotics, and magnesium oxide may provide additional relief.

In contrast, some often-touted popular methods for managing constipation, including “general high-fiber diets” and senna supplements, have been found to lack convincing scientific support for effectiveness.

Backed by strong evidence and expert endorsement

The new guidelines have been published in two major international journals, namely Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Diseases of the nervous system and movementIt is approved by the British Dietetic Association (BDA). The goal is to change how constipation is treated in clinical settings by providing healthcare professionals with clear, evidence-based tools. The guidelines also give individuals the ability to manage their condition more effectively through diet and hydration.

Constipation is a chronic condition that can seriously affect quality of life while increasing health care costs. Previous clinical recommendations typically relied on increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake, an approach that researchers now say may be overly simplistic and outdated.

The science behind the new guidelines

Unlike previous guidelines, the new recommendations are based on large-scale systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Using the GRADE framework for assessing quality of evidence, an expert panel of dietitians, dietitians, gastroenterologists, bowel physiologists, and general practitioners examined data from more than 75 clinical trials. Their work resulted in 59 recommendations and identified 12 key areas for future research.

Dr Irene Demidi, Reader in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London and lead author, explained: “Chronic constipation can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. For the first time, we’ve provided guidance on which nutritional approaches can really help, and which nutritional advice lacks evidence. Being able to improve this condition through dietary changes would allow people to better manage their symptoms and, hopefully, improve their quality of life.

Personal nutrition and global application

The guidelines also emphasize measurable outcomes, such as stool frequency and consistency, fatigue, and quality of life. This practical focus allows healthcare professionals to tailor nutritional advice to individual symptom patterns. To support implementation, researchers have created a clinician-friendly tool that can be used worldwide.

The review also revealed that although many foods and supplements appear to be effective, the quality of most current research remains low. Many trials examined individual interventions rather than overall diet patterns, highlighting the need for more robust nutrition studies in the management of constipation.

Fibers revisited and future trends

Although high-fiber diets are often promoted as beneficial for overall health, the new findings suggest limited evidence of their specific effectiveness in relieving constipation, Dr. Demidy noted. “Eating a high-fiber diet offers many benefits to overall health, and was a recommendation for constipation,” she said. “However, our guidelines found that there is not enough evidence to suggest that it is actually effective for treating constipation specifically. Instead, our research is revealing some new nutritional strategies that could actually help patients. At the same time, we urgently need more high-quality trials to strengthen the evidence about what works and what doesn’t.”

Professor Kevin Whelan, senior author and Professor of Dietetics at King’s College London, added: “This new guidance represents a promising step towards enabling health professionals and their patients to manage constipation through diet. This means that, going forward, people with constipation around the world can now access up-to-date advice based on the best available evidence in order to improve their symptoms and wellbeing.” “With ongoing research, this holds real potential to drive lasting improvements in food quality.” life.”