Research suggests that adhering to Mediterranean and plant-based diets could significantly lower the risk of developing chronic constipation in individuals of middle and older age. This conclusion was reached by researchers from the Mass General Brigham system after analyzing data from over 96,000 participants involved in long-term cohort studies. The findings of this study have been published in the journal Gastroenterology.
The authors specifically highlight that while improvements in bowel function are often attributed primarily to fiber intake, their analysis demonstrated that the positive effects of these dietary patterns manifested independently of the amount of fiber consumed. This suggests that other nutritional components present in these diets, such as nuts, olive oil, and various antioxidants, might play a crucial role in prevention.
Chronic constipation, as defined within the scope of the study, involves recurring symptoms for at least 12 weeks within a year. The study indicated that those who follow Western or pro-inflammatory diets are most susceptible to this condition. Interestingly, a low-carbohydrate diet did not show a notable impact on bowel health in their analysis.
Scientists conclude that with increasing age, focusing on the overall structure and quality of one`s diet becomes more critical than concentrating solely on individual food items. An eating pattern rich in vegetables, plant-based fats, and whole foods can serve as an effective preventive strategy for chronic constipation, even for individuals without other underlying health issues.
