Kiwi: Nature's Laxative

Kiwifruit is a natural alternative to laxatives. It can increase the frequency of bowel movements for people with constipation, and it has been proven to relieve constipation and improve bowel movement frequency in several clinical studies. Kiwifruit is high in fibre and contains actinidin, an enzyme that helps break down food and aids digestion. Consuming two kiwifruits a day can help keep your digestive system running smoothly and is a great addition to your everyday diet.

Kiwis are a good source of fibre

The fibre found in kiwi fruit cell walls swells and holds water, which can soften stools and increase stool frequency. This is especially beneficial for people with constipation, as it improves their gastrointestinal comfort. Kiwis are also a good source of polyphenols, which can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and fend off harmful bacteria due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition to their fibre content, kiwis offer many other essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, zinc, and vitamin C. They are also low in FODMAPs, making them a healthy and inexpensive addition to your everyday diet. Kiwis are a safe and effective treatment for constipation, with fewer reported adverse effects than other natural treatments such as prunes and psyllium.

Kiwis are an excellent natural alternative to laxatives, and their regular consumption can bring digestive health benefits. They can be easily incorporated into your diet, and their pleasant taste makes them a good choice for those seeking a "natural" treatment option.

Kiwis have a high water-holding capacity

The water-holding capacity of kiwis is so effective that it has been clinically proven to increase the frequency of bowel movements for people with constipation. In one study, participants with functional constipation who ate two kiwis a day experienced an average increase of 1.53 bowel movements per week, a statistically significant number. Those with IBS-C saw an even larger increase of 1.73 bowel movements per week.

The high water-holding capacity of kiwis is due to the fibre component of the fruit. This fibre swells and holds water, which in turn helps to produce a softer and easier-to-pass stool. The fibre content of kiwis is also thought to promote laxation. In addition, the cell walls of ripe kiwis swell to 3-4 times the size of those in unripe fruit, further increasing the water-holding capacity of the fruit.

The water-holding capacity of kiwis is so effective that they are now considered a safe and effective treatment for constipation. Kiwis have been shown to exert their beneficial effects without side effects, and patients have reported high satisfaction with kiwis as a treatment. In fact, kiwis may even be more effective than traditional laxative medications, which often come with uncomfortable side effects and a high rate of dissatisfaction.

Kiwis contain actinidin, a digestive enzyme

Actinidin is a natural enzyme found in green kiwis that helps your body break down food and aids digestion. This is especially beneficial for those struggling with constipation. Consuming two kiwis a day has been shown to improve bowel habits and reduce the number of days of laxative use. Kiwis are also rich in fibre, with about 8 grams of fibre in two large kiwis—similar to the amount in a bowl of All-Bran cereal. The fibre in kiwis has a high water-holding capacity and high viscosity, which helps with fecal bulking and softening.

Several studies have examined the role of kiwis in managing constipation. One study found that eating two green kiwis per day for four weeks increased defecation frequency and reduced colonic transit time. Another study showed that daily consumption of green kiwis led to bulkier, softer, and more frequent stools in healthy elderly people without IBS. Kiwis have also been found to be effective in treating constipation in people with IBS-C, with participants reporting a significant decrease in stool transit time, increased defecation frequency, and improved bowel function.

In addition to actinidin and fibre, kiwis also have a high polyphenol content, which may confer additional digestive health benefits. Polyphenols promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and can fend off harmful bacteria due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, kiwis are a safe and effective treatment for constipation and can be easily incorporated into your everyday diet.

Kiwis can be used as a natural, diet therapy for mild constipation

Several studies have shown that the consumption of two kiwis a day increases the frequency of bowel movements and improves stool consistency in people with constipation. One study, which included 75 adults with functional constipation or IBS-C, found that patients given two kiwis a day for four weeks reported fewer adverse effects and were less dissatisfied with the treatment than those given prunes or psyllium. Another study, which included 184 participants with functional constipation or IBS-C, found that those who ate two kiwis a day for four weeks experienced an average increase of 1.53 bowel movements per week, a statistically significant improvement.

Kiwis are also a good source of other essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, zinc, and vitamin C. They are low in FODMAPs, healthy, and relatively inexpensive, making them a great addition to your everyday diet.

It is important to note that kiwi may be an allergen for some people. If you are considering using kiwis as a natural therapy for constipation, it is always a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional first.

Kiwis are a safe and effective treatment for constipation

In one study, 79 adults with chronic constipation were assigned to consume either 100 grams of pitted prunes, 12 grams of psyllium, or two peeled kiwis daily for four weeks. The results showed that kiwis produced the highest patient satisfaction scores, with 48% of patients in the psyllium and prune groups happy with their treatment, compared to 68% expressing satisfaction with kiwis. Kiwis also had fewer adverse effects, with only 11% of patients reporting bloating and no reports of gas or abdominal pain.

Another study found that eating two green kiwis per day for four weeks increased defecation frequency and reduced colonic transit time in healthy adults and those with constipation-predominant IBS. A similar study in healthy elderly people without IBS showed that daily consumption of green kiwis led to bulkier, softer, and more frequent stools. Kiwis are also a good option for patients on a low-FODMAP diet, as they are low in FODMAPs and can be easily added to the diet.

Kiwis are a nutritious and safe alternative to laxatives, providing a natural treatment for constipation. They are also relatively inexpensive and easily accessible, making them a great addition to one's diet.

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