This information stems from the inaugural set of evidence-based dietary recommendations for adults experiencing chronic constipation. Disseminated through the Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics and the journal Neurogastroenterology & Motility, these novel guidelines also indicate that the supplementation of psyllium fiber, specific probiotic strains, and magnesium oxide can contribute to alleviating constipation.
Kiwifruits, rye bread and high mineral water, psyllium supplements, certain probiotic strains and magnesium oxide supplements are recommended to improve specific constipation outcomes. Image credit: Aziz3625.
Constipation, when it becomes a persistent ailment, exerts a substantial detrimental effect on an individual’s quality of life and imposes significant financial burdens upon both affected individuals and healthcare infrastructures.
Historically, clinical guidance has offered merely restricted and occasionally obsolete dietary suggestions, predominantly centered on augmenting dietary fiber and fluid consumption.
In contrast to prior recommendations, the current guidelines are underpinned by a wealth of robust systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with the GRADE framework employed to ascertain the caliber of the gathered evidence.
“The advent of these new directives signifies a promising stride toward equipping healthcare professionals and their patient cohorts with the capacity to manage constipation through dietary interventions,” stated Professor Kevin Whelan of King’s College London.
“This evolution means that individuals worldwide grappling with constipation can henceforth access current advice grounded in the most reliable evidence available, thereby enhancing their well-being and symptom management.”
“With sustained research endeavors, this holds considerable promise for fostering enduring improvements in life quality.”
Professor Whelan and his associates meticulously examined over 75 clinical investigations to formulate 59 recommendations and pinpoint 12 areas requiring further investigation.
“The pervasive impact of chronic constipation can profoundly disrupt an individual’s daily existence,” commented Dr. Eirini Dimidi from King’s College London.
“For the first time, we have provided definitive direction regarding which dietary strategies may genuinely offer relief and which dietary counsel lacks substantiated evidence.”
“The capacity to ameliorate this condition through modifications in diet would empower individuals to more effectively self-manage their symptoms and, optimistically, elevate their overall quality of life.”
Furthermore, the recommendations specifically address constipation-related outcomes, including the frequency of bowel movements, stool consistency, the degree of straining, and the subjective quality of life, rendering them more practical for the implementation of personalized care tailored to the distinct symptoms experienced by each patient.
A user-friendly instrument for clinicians has also been developed to facilitate the integration of these guidelines into routine medical practice on a global scale.
The comprehensive evidence review divulged that, while certain foods and supplements demonstrate efficacy, the overall quality of the existing research studies is of a low standard.
The majority of trials concentrated on isolated interventions rather than comprehensive dietary approaches, thereby underscoring the pressing necessity for superior nutritional research pertaining to constipation management.
“The consumption of a high-fiber diet confers numerous advantages for general health and has long been a standard recommendation for constipation,” remarked Dr. Dimidi.
“However, our guidelines revealed that there is simply insufficient evidence to conclusively assert its effectiveness specifically for constipation.”
“Conversely, our investigation has identified novel dietary strategies that may indeed provide assistance to patients.”
“Concurrently, there is an urgent requirement for an increased number of high-quality clinical trials to fortify the evidence base concerning what interventions are beneficial and which are not.”
