Eat kiwi fruit to relieve constipation, says guidance

"Constipation that doesn't go away affects one in 10 people and can have a major impact on someone's quality of life. You are constipated if you haven't had a bowel motion (poo) at least three times during the last week, or you're going less often than usual, says the NHS. Straining on the loo or feeling like you haven't fully emptied your bowels may also be signs of constipation - but these aren't the only ones."

"The new guidance suggests the best remedy is to focus on fruit and drinks first, rather than worrying about the latest probiotic in the supermarket or packing your diet full of different kinds of fibre, she says. Dr Dimidi recommends eating two or three kiwis throughout the day or 8-10 prunes to improve constipation. Skin on or skin off the kiwi? "Even without the skin, it's good and contains fibre," she explains, but adds there's no harm keeping the skin on either."

Constipation affects one in ten people and can significantly reduce quality of life. Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel motions in the last week or a decrease from an individual's normal frequency; straining and a sense of incomplete evacuation are common symptoms. Eating two or three kiwifruit daily or consuming 8–10 prunes can improve bowel regularity. Kiwifruit increases stool volume and water content, softening stools and promoting bowel contractions. Drinking mineral-rich water is more effective than tap water for easing constipation, and magnesium oxide supplements can improve symptoms. Multiple alternatives exist beyond simply increasing dietary fibre.

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