Kiwifruit, rye bread, and mineral-rich water may help reduce the discomfort of chronic constipation, according to new evidence-based dietary guidelines developed by researchers at King’s College London.
The team’s work represents the first comprehensive, evidence-supported dietary recommendations specifically for adults living with long-term constipation. The research also found that supplements such as psyllium fiber, certain probiotics, and magnesium oxide may provide additional relief.
In contrast, some popular methods often promoted for constipation management, including general “high-fiber diets” and senna supplements (a type of laxative), were found to lack convincing scientific support for effectiveness.
Backed by Strong Evidence and Expert Endorsement
The new guidelines were published in two major international journals, the Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics and Neurogastroenterology & Motility, and are endorsed by the British Dietetic Association (BDA). The aim is to transform 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 adding to healthcare costs. Previous clinical recommendations have 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relied on increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake, an approach that researchers now say may be overly simplistic and outdated.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 earlier guidance, the new recommendations draw on extensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Using the GRADE framework to evaluate evidence quality, an expert panel consisting of dietitians, a nutritionist, gastroenterologist, gut physiologist, and general practitioner examined data from more than 75 clinical trials. Their work resulted in 59 recommendations and the identification of 12 key areas for future research.
Dr. Eirini Dimidi, Reader in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London and lead author, explained: “Chronic constipation can have a huge impact on someone’s day-to-day life. For the first time, we’ve provided direction on what dietary approaches could genuinely help, and which diet advice lacks evidence. Being able to improve this condition through dietary changes would allow people to self-manage their symptoms more and, hopefully, improve their quality of life.”
Personalized Nutrition and Global Application
The guidelines also emphasize measurable outcomes, such as stool frequency and consistency, straining, and quality of life. This practical focus allows healthcare professionals to tailor dietary advice to individual symptom patterns. To support implementation, the researchers have created a clinician-friendly tool that can be used worldwide.
The review also revealed that while several foods and supplements appear effective, the quality of most existing research remains low. Many trials examined single interventions instead of comprehensive diet patterns, highlighting the need for more robust nutrition studies in constipation management.
Rethinking Fiber and Future Directions
Dr. Dimidi noted that although high-fiber diets are often promoted as beneficial for overall health, the new findings indicate limited evidence for their specific effectiveness in relieving constipation. “Eating a high fiber diet offers many benefits to overall health and has been a go-to recommendation for constipation,” she said. “However, our guidelines found that there simply isn’t enough evidence to suggest it actually works in constipation specifically. Instead, our research reveals some new dietary strategies that could indeed help patients. At the same time, we urgently need more high-quality trials to strengthen the evidence on what works and what doesn’t.”
Professor Kevin Whelan, senior author and Professor of Dietetics at King’s College London, added: “This new guidance marks a promising step towards empowering health professionals and their patients to manage constipation through diet. This means that from now on that people suffering from constipation across the world can now receive up-to-date advice based upon the best available evidence in order to improve their symptoms and well-being. With continued research, it holds real potential to drive lasting improvements in quality of life.”
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