Constipation Research
Diet &
Lifestyle
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High fibre diet
& Constipation
A high fibre diet (eg. fruits, vegetables, pulses and whole
grains) has been reported to be of definite benefit to people suffering from chronic
constipation (1) . This is because the fibre creates intestinal bulk stimulating the
peristaltic action of bowels, increasing stool weight and reducing the transit time of
stools in the colon. In fact, it is almost certainly for this reason that researchers have
found vegetarians have much less incidence of constipation than meat eaters. (2)
There is also a relationship between low-fibre diet and
chronic constipation in inactive, geriatric nursing home and homebound patients.
Increased fibre intake has been shown to promote normal bowel functioning even among these
patients.(3)
Other good sources of fibre include oat bran, baked beans,
pumpkin seeds, and wheat bran (NB. wheat bran is a hard fibre and can irritate the
intestines causing bloatedness. See also medcial herbalism below for fibrous seeds)
Low fibre foods such as white bread, sugar, processed foods
and meats/fish (see below) conversely hinder the peristaltic motion and these foods should
therefore be avoided whenever possible.
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Low fat diet
& Constipation
Fatty foods (eg. meat, cheese and other animal produce) are
among the worst foods to eat in cases of chronic constipation. Not only do they slow down
the passage of food through the body, but the excess bile required to digest them can
irritate the lining of the intestines.
Ensuring good digestion and assimilation of food is the
paramount consideration in chronic constipation. Simple steps can be taken to help in
addition to those mentioned above. For instance, chew your food thoroughly, relax when
eating, do not mix high protein foods (eg. meats, poultry, fish, eggs, soya and dairy)
with high carbohydrate foods (eg, bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, wholegrains) are very
basic measures we can all take. Sound dietary advice can be obtained from a qualified
naturopath or nutritionist.
FOOTNOTES
(1) How effective is nonlaxative treatment of constipation?
Klauser AG; Muller-Lissner SA Department of Gastroenterology, Klinikum
Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat, Munchen, FRG. Pharmacology (SWITZERLAND) Oct 1993, 47
Suppl 1 p256-60
(2) Health aspects of vegetarian diets. Dwyer JT Tufts University School of Medicine, New
England Medical Center Hospital, Boston, MA 02111. Am J Clin Nutr (UNITED STATES) Sep
1988, 48 (3 Suppl) p712-38
(3) Managing geriatric chronic constipation. Kovach T Home Healthc Nurse (UNITED STATES)
Sep-Oct 1992, 10 (5) p57-8,
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Psyllium
& Constipation
The seeds and husks of the plant psyllium (sometimes referred
to as ispaghula) have been traditionally used by herbalists and naturopaths to help people
suffering from constipation and related intestinal disorders because, when moistened, the
husks swell up to form a soft viscous mass which helps stimulate the peristaltic movement
of the intestinal wall. However, a recent study in the Czech Republic has demonstrated
that psyllium, not only, can significantly help patients suffering from constipation, but
that it has the added benefits of helping to reduce excess body weight in cases of obesity
as well as reducing high serum cholesterol levels.
In the study, a preparation made from Plantago psyllium was
administered to 63 patients suffering from chronic functional constipation for a period of
20 days. The tolerance of the preparation was satisfactory in 55 of the patients (87%),
and 49 (79 %) reported problem-free defecation with normalisation of stools. However, the
researchers also noted a statistically significant decline in the patients’ serum
cholesterol levels and in 14 patients(25 %) a weight loss of more than 1 kg was observed.
The researchers concluded that psyllium may be considered suitable for the treatment and
prevention of chronic functional constipation and as an adjuvant in the treatment of
hyperlipoproteinaemia type II, in particular when associated with obesity.
Although this was not a controlled study, it does support
similar findings of a previous studies in which researchers found that 3.5 grams of
psyllium taken over a course of eight weeks reduced total cholesterol levels in twenty six
men by an average of 15 per cent and LDL by 20 per cent and, in a trial involving twelve
elderly patients, serum cholesterol levels were reduced by twenty per cent after a period
of 4 months. However, a more comprehensive, controlled study needs to be conducted before
firm conclusions can be drawn as to the viability of using psyllium to treat
hypercholesterolemia.
It should also be noted that some adverse reactions have
been reported following psyllium usage including allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and
hypersensitivity leading to anaphylactic shock.
Weis M. Plantago psyllium - natural plant laxative and its
effect on cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Ceska a Slovenska Gastroenterologie
(Czech Republic) , 1996, 50/2(45-47)
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