January 28, 2005 – Some beliefs about constipation have no scientific basis, say two German researchers who sign an article1 on the subject, in the January 2005 edition of the American medical journal The American Journal of Gastroenterology.
First, the authors say they haven’t found any studies or research showing that people whose diets are already well-balanced can get relief by consuming more fiber or more fluids. On the contrary, they write, people with severe chronic constipation might even make their problem worse by eating more fiber.
In addition, chemical laxatives available in stores would be quite safe. No evidence exists as to the possibility of becoming dependent or tolerant to these products. The authors also claim that people who use them are not more likely to experience constipation when they stop using them.
As for the fear that chronic constipation could cause certain illnesses by allowing toxins to return to the body, it would be unfounded. Chronic constipation is however linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Several “causes” of constipation are also questioned in this article. Thus, sex hormones (except during pregnancy) and hypothyroidism are very rarely responsible. The authors note that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to constipation and that vigorous physical exercise can stimulate the activity of the large intestine.
The authors estimate that about 2.5 million Americans see a doctor each year for constipation problems, and that hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually trying to get relief.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Medscape.
