Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist specializing in digestive health, sheds light on the intricacies of constipation. He explains that having daily bowel movements doesn’t always equate to healthy digestion. The discussion emphasizes the impact of diet, advocating for whole plant foods, and highlights surprising facts like the significance of incomplete evacuations. Listeners gain practical tips for relief, including the benefits of prunes and kiwi, shedding light on lifestyle changes that can enhance gut health.
Constipation goes beyond infrequent bowel movements, impacting a quarter of the global population.
Symptoms of constipation are diverse, requiring advanced diagnostic tests for personalized treatment.
Deep dives
Understanding Constipation Beyond Bowel Movements
Constipation encompasses more than just infrequent bowel movements, with the formal definition being fewer than three bowel movements per week. Recent studies indicate a broader perspective is needed, as patients often do not recognize constipation symptoms. The disconnect between public and medical professionals' understanding can lead to dissatisfaction with treatment, requiring an expanded definition for improved patient outcomes.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Constipation
Symptoms of constipation extend beyond infrequency and may include gas, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. Various tests like anorectal manometry and defecography are used to diagnose constipation, revealing potential muscle or structural issues contributing to the condition. These advanced testing methods go beyond basic imaging tests to understand the underlying causes of constipation.
Treatment Strategies and Key Takeaways
Treating constipation starts with lifestyle changes, including a diet rich in whole plant foods and fiber while reducing ultra-processed foods. Simple steps like staying hydrated, moving the body, and consuming foods like prunes, chia seeds, and flax seeds can aid in alleviating constipation. Consulting with a healthcare provider and undergoing advanced testing when traditional therapies fail can lead to personalized treatment plans for improved bowel health.
The formal definition for constipation is ‘Having fewer than three bowel movements per week’. But, did you know that you can have a bowel movement every day and still be constipated? Recent data has shown that a quarter of people worldwide have at one point reported symptoms, suggesting that there is so much more to constipation than simply infrequent bowel movements.
In today’s short-ish episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Will attempt to dispel some misconceptions about constipation and empower you to have better bowel movements.
Studies referenced in today’s episode:
A redefinition of constipation by King’s College London, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (2019)here