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Do you have constipation? Study says eat kiwis and drink mineral water to improve your gut health
Lifestyle

Do you have constipation? Study says eat kiwis and drink mineral water to improve your gut health

by jummy84
written by jummy84

A study by King’s College London has found that kiwi fruits can help relieve constipation. The research stated that magnesium oxide supplements may help reduce constipation symptoms, as per aBBC report. The report claimed that drinking water rich in minerals is preferable to tap water.

Kiwis can improve immunity as well.(Representative image/Unsplash)

Also read: Nutritionist warns these ‘healthy’ raw foods may be dangerous for your gut: ‘Stop adding leafy veggies to smoothies’

Consume Kiwis to fight constipation

One in ten people experiences persistent constipation, which can significantly lower a person’s quality of life. According to theNational Health Service (NHS), if you have not had a bowel motion at least three times in the past week, or if you are going less frequently than normal, you are constipated.

Dr Eirini Dimidi from King’s College London told the BBC: “People can report up to 30 different symptoms of constipation.” According to the latest guidelines, one should focus on fruits and drinks to fight constipation.

On that note, Dr Dimidi explained that people must eat two or three kiwis every day to improve constipation. “Even without the skin, it’s good and contains fibre,” Dimidi added.

The fibre in kiwi fruit has an effect on the gut that can cause bowel contractions and increase the volume of faeces. “Kiwi also increases water content in the gut, which may soften stools,” Dr Dimidi revealed. On the other hand, the fruits can improve immunity since they are rich in vitamin C. Additionally, kiwis can help manage blood pressure as they contain potassium.

Eating eight to ten prunes and some rye bread as a daily snack can also have a comparable impact.

Also read: Maryland doctor explains how ‘dementia risk rises with every increase in alcohol intake’

The benefits of drinking mineral water

Dr Dimidi also claims that mineral water “is better than tap water”. Magnesium is an essential mineral that acts as a laxative. The study indicates that consuming magnesium oxide supplements has many advantages.

Magnesium oxide supplements can lessen lower abdominal pain, bloating, and straining as well as facilitate bowel movements.

According to Professor Kevin Whelan, the new guidance “marks a promising step towards empowering health professionals and their patients to manage constipation through diet”.

The British Dietetic Association also lauded the research by King’s College London. It said the latest guidance was “a more diet-focused and evidence-based approach to the management of chronic constipation”.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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Gastroenterologist reveals how long hours of sitting at work impact your gut health: ‘Causes bloating, constipation…’
Lifestyle

Gastroenterologist reveals how long hours of sitting at work impact your gut health: ‘Causes bloating, constipation…’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Long hours of sitting at a desk at work are red-flagged by medical experts because of the adverse effects on health, from back pain to heart health. It also negatively impacts your gut. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Senthil Ganesan, senior consultant, surgical gastroenterologist at SIMS Hospital, Chennai, revealed that beyond the commonly known obesity and metabolic disorders, long hours of sitting at a desk impact the gut seriously, especially the intestines.

Sitting long hours at desk affects your gut motility. (Shutterstock)

ALSO READ: Acidity and bloating continue despite medications? Gastroenterologist reveals this reason behind common gut issues

Why is gut health at risk?

He explained the reason behind why the gut is at risk, “Our digestive system, especially the intestines, relies on regular movement, or peristalsis, to keep things flowing. When we stay still, gut motility slows down, causing bloating, constipation, and discomfort.”

Moreover, according to the doctor, prolonged sitting causes a ‘stagnation’ in your gut that heightens inflammation and makes you feel tired at work.

He further elaborated, “The gut is not just a tube that moves food from one end to another. It’s a complex system with muscles contracting in waves, nerves coordinating these movements, and bacteria aiding digestion. When we sit for too long, these muscles don’t get the workout they need. If your overall activity is low, things start to stagnate, especially after a high-calorie, fat-rich, modern diet. This stagnation in the gut can trigger inflammation, slow metabolism, and make you feel lethargic.”

What to do?

Walk instead of being seated if you are taking calls. (Freepik)
Walk instead of being seated if you are taking calls. (Freepik)

What is the best way to protect your gut health if you have a desk job that may include long hours of sitting? Dr Senthil Ganesan highlighted the value of taking frequent breaks, drinking water, and maintaining a high-fibre diet.

He said, “In addition to a daily workout at home, you should avoid sitting in one place at the office for more than 45 minutes. Even short, strategic breaks—like walking around the office or doing stretches—can help. Make a habit of standing up while taking phone calls. Drinking water regularly helps, as dehydration also slows down bowel movements and is a common cause of constipation. Many people turn to high-fibre diets to keep their intestines moving, but fibre alone can’t replace movement. ”

His advice was that if you are feeling bloated at work, start moving, such as stretching or standing during calls.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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