The Mediterranean and plant-based diets significantly reduce the risk of chronic constipation in older adults, and this effect is independent of fiber intake.

The Impact of Diet on Constipation Risk

As people age, chronic constipation becomes an increasingly common issue. A team of researchers from Mass General Brigham conducted a large-scale study to determine whether five popular diets could help prevent the development of chronic constipation in middle-aged and older adults. Over several years, scientists observed more than 96,000 participants to assess how long-term eating habits influence the likelihood of developing this persistent gastrointestinal disorder.

The results showed that people who regularly followed a Mediterranean or plant-based diet experienced constipation less frequently. These findings were published in the journal Gastroenterology.

Key Findings of the Study

Dr. Kyle Staller from the Division of Gastroenterology at Massachusetts General Hospital noted, “Chronic constipation affects millions of people and can significantly diminish patients’ quality of life. Our results indicate that as people age, certain healthy diets can benefit gut health, in addition to their well-known cardiovascular advantages.”

It was previously known that a healthy diet could ease constipation symptoms, but this study is the first to demonstrate that some diets may actually prevent the development of chronic constipation. “We always assumed the benefits of healthy eating were due to fiber, but our analysis showed that the positive effect of these diets on constipation is not dependent on fiber intake,” Staller added.

Methodology and Analysis

The study used data from the Nurses' Health Study, Nurses' Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Researchers evaluated the long-term dietary habits of middle-aged and older adults and identified who later developed chronic constipation (defined as symptoms lasting at least 12 weeks within a year).

Five types of diets were considered: Mediterranean, plant-based, low-carbohydrate, Western, and pro-inflammatory. Participants who consistently followed a Western or pro-inflammatory diet were more likely to experience chronic constipation. Meanwhile, those on a low-carbohydrate diet did not show a significant change in constipation risk.

Practical Recommendations

“Our findings suggest that a diet rich in vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats may help prevent chronic constipation in middle-aged and older adults,” Staller emphasized.