Kiwifruit relieves constipation

Posted on Mon, 13 Jun 11

Instead of habit forming laxatives why not try kiwifruit? A number of human clinical studies have found kiwifruit a highly effective way to provide relief from constipation.

For some years kiwifruit had been anecdotally reported to have a laxative effect so a research group from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand conducted a study with older age adults giving them 2-3 kiwifruit a day for 3 weeks (1). They found that “regular use of kiwifruit appeared to lead to a bulkier and softer stool, as well as more frequent stool production.”

A subsequent study in China also found that just 2 kiwifruit a day for 4 weeks relieved constipation, improved general comfort and satisfaction and decreased laxative use (2). And more recently irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sufferers who ate kiwifruit (2 per day for 4 weeks) gained relief from constipation and improved digestive health (3).

So next time you reach for a laxative, why not reach for the fruit basket instead?

Sources:

1. Rush EC, Patel M, Plank LD, Ferguson LR. Kiwifruit promotes laxation in the elderly. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):164-8.

2. Chan AO, Leung G, Tong T, Wong NY. Increasing dietary fiber intake in terms of kiwifruit improves constipation in Chinese patients. World J Gastroenterol. 2007  Sep 21;13(35):4771-5.

3. Chang CC, Lin YT, Lu YT, Liu YS, Liu JF. Kiwifruit improves bowel function in  patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(4):451-7.