It was the general practitioner who sent Aurélie for consultation with the dietician. He diagnosed chronic constipation probably linked to his lifestyle. For two years, Aurélie has a bowel movement less than 3 times per week.
The doctor checked that no illness chronic (diabetes, inflammatory disease chronic of the intestine, hypothyroidism, etc.) or taking medications (antidepressants, antihistamines, antihypertensives, etc.) could not explain the symptoms.
Aurélie complains of abdominal pain and feels “heavy” because of this constipation. She explains that she has a stressful and sedentary job: she is a Pôle emploi advisor. I ask her about her eating habits and notice that she eats few fruits and vegetables and no dried vegetables, which are foods rich in fiber. It’s not that she doesn’t love not, but it’s not in her habit, because she goes as quickly as possible in the evening when she returns home.
The dietitian’s first advice
I remind him of the benefit of fibers: they fill with water in the colon, soften the stools and facilitate their evacuation. These fibers are found mainly in fruits and vegetables, pulses, whole grains (brown rice, whole grain bread, etc.) and oilseeds (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc.).
To facilitate their integration, I suggest that Aurélie swap her lunch sandwich for a lunch box, for example based on quinoa, lentils, chicken and vegetables, a good cocktail of fiber. And to end with a magical fruit in terms of constipation : The kiwi. She will also try a breakfast richer in fiber, based on yogurt, oat bran and fresh fruit. And pay more attention to good hydration, essential to promote well-formed stools.
Finally, I make Aurélie aware of the fact that certain fibers can ferment and cause gas and bloating. This is why it is advisable to increase your fiber intake step by step (a little more each day over two weeks) and to observe yourself closely.
What effects on transit after one month?
At the second consultation, I noticed that Aurélie had indeed noticed more gas, but already an improvement in transit. I suggest that he now favor fibers low in fermentable sugars (the famous FODMAPs) for two weeks. We add water rich in magnesium, with laxative properties, Thus as a systematic digestive walk after lunch, physical activity and relaxation promoting good transit.
After a month, Aurélie has a bowel movement 5 times a week, and her gas and bloating have greatly reduced.
Aurélie probably suffers from functional colopathy (also called irritable bowel). She will therefore go for an assessment with the gastroenterologist and, if the diagnosis is made, I will possibly suggest that she explore more fully the effects of a diet low in FODMAPs, which is very effective in regaining normal digestive comfort.
In the meantime, I suggest he:
- limit carbonated drinks
- eat in peace
- chew well to promote digestion.
