By Harshit, LONDON, October 15, 2025
Kiwis may soon become a doctor’s new dietary prescription for constipation relief. According to new research published Monday by the British Dietetic Association (BDA), kiwis — alongside rye bread, magnesium supplements, and probiotics — can help relieve symptoms of chronic constipation, marking the first evidence-based dietary guidelines to address the condition without medications.
A Shift From Pills to Produce
The guidelines, jointly published in the Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics and Neurogastroenterology & Motility, represent a major step toward food-based approaches for managing digestive health.
“Existing guidance has focused largely on pharmaceuticals,” said Eirini Dimidi, a registered dietitian and associate professor at King’s College London who led the study. “There’s been surprisingly little evidence-backed advice about what people should eat.”
Chronic constipation affects roughly 16% of adults worldwide and accounts for nearly 2.5 million doctor visits in the United States each year, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. It can cause bloating, nausea, pain, and in severe cases, bleeding or vomiting, profoundly affecting a person’s quality of life and productivity.
Understanding Chronic Constipation
Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, with symptoms persisting for over three months to be considered chronic.
The condition can stem from dietary factors, sedentary lifestyles, underlying illnesses, or medication use, and affects people of all ages and genders.
“I see chronic constipation across the spectrum,” said Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “It’s common in toddlers, school-age children, and adults. For many, it even limits their ability to stay active or maintain a healthy mood.”
Traditional Treatments and Their Limits
Until now, most treatment recommendations centered on fiber supplements such as psyllium and over-the-counter medications including bisacodyl, senna, or lubiprostone (Amitiza).
Patients were also encouraged to increase fiber intake, drink more water, and use laxatives as needed. However, the new guidelines challenge the notion that a general “high-fiber diet” is sufficient.
“When we examined the literature, there wasn’t enough robust evidence to say a high-fiber diet alone improves constipation,” Dimidi said. “Fiber is excellent for overall gut health, but constipation requires a more specific dietary strategy.”
What the New Guidelines Recommend
The BDA’s recommendations offer a roadmap for patients to manage chronic constipation through targeted foods and supplements. Among the key takeaways:
- Kiwis: Eating three kiwis daily — with or without the skin — may increase bowel movement frequency, though not necessarily stool consistency.
- Rye bread: Consuming six to eight slices per day can aid stool frequency, though researchers note this amount may be difficult for some to maintain.
- Fiber supplements: Taking more than 10 grams per day of supplements like psyllium improves stool frequency and reduces straining. Doses should be introduced gradually.
- Magnesium oxide: Doses between 0.5–1.5 grams daily can improve stool consistency and relieve bloating. Start low and increase slowly over time.
- Probiotics: Specific strains such as Bifidobacterium lactis and Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 can support gut health. Use for at least four weeks to gauge effectiveness.
- High-mineral water: Drinking 0.5–1.5 liters daily, especially water rich in magnesium, may complement other treatments.
A Complementary, Not Alternative, Approach
Dr. William Chey, professor of gastroenterology at the University of Michigan, who was not involved in the research, said the new dietary roadmap gives patients safe options to try while awaiting medical evaluation.
“These recommendations provide a valuable framework for people managing constipation before or alongside medication,” Chey said. However, he cautioned that individuals with severe symptoms — such as prolonged pain, blood in stool, or vomiting — should consult a gastroenterologist.
The Bottom Line
The BDA guidelines emphasize that constipation management should be individualized, combining evidence-based diet changes with medical guidance when necessary. While kiwis, rye bread, and magnesium-rich supplements may not replace traditional therapies, they provide scientifically supported, non-invasive strategies for millions struggling with a common but often misunderstood condition.
