Chronic Constipation: Is a Nutritional Approach Reasonable?

Nutrients

Alessandra Rossi¹  Federico Barracca²  Linda Ceccarelli²  Massimo Bellini²  Andrea Pancetti²  Santino Marchi²  Francesco Costa²  Sara Tonarelli²  Francesco Rettura²  Angelo Ricchiuti²  Nicola de Bortoli² 

[1] Clinical and Experimental Medicine–Rheumatology Unit, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy;Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Sciences and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;

关键词: chronic constipation;    food;    fiber;    water;    diet;    nutrition;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu13103386

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most common gastroenterological diagnoses in clinical practice. Treatment includes several steps, depending on the severity of symptoms. Lifestyle modifications and increased intake of fiber and water are suggested by most health professionals. Unfortunately, the recommendations in this regard are the most varied, often conflicting with each other and not always based on solid scientific arguments. This paper aims to clarify this topic by providing practical indications for the management of these patients in every day clinical practice. The literature available on this topic is scarce, and dietary studies have important methodological biases. However, fiber, mainly by binding water and acting as bulking agents and/or as prebiotics for the intestinal microbiota, and mineral water, especially if rich in magnesium and/or bicarbonate, are useful tools. An adequate, well-designed diet should be a cornerstone of any effective treatment for chronic constipation. High-quality studies on larger samples are mandatory to give scientific validity to the role of the food in CC therapy and to enable professionals to choose the best approach for their patients, combining nutritional and pharmacological agents.

【 授权许可】

Unknown