A recent study, published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, indicates that kiwifruit helps to improve bowel functions. Kiwi could serve as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.
The research employed experts from School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan. The study evaluates the potential of the fruit in relieving the symptoms of gastric disorders like IBS and constipation.
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome also suffer from constipation and diarrhoea. Some remedies for the former might encourage the latter and vice versa. However, the researchers observed that eating kiwi improves overall bowel function without the risk of aggravating either of the symptoms. Moreover, the kiwifruit also prevents the production of inflammatory chemicals thus it can be effective against inflammatory bowel disease as well.
The kiwifruit is fruit commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has significant potential to promote proper digestion. The researchers have continuously been exploring the fruit as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal problems such as chronic constipation.
Tophealthjournal.com reports how constipation affects more than 20 percent of the American population. Common characteristics of the condition include less than three bowel movements per week and difficult passage of stools. The problem usually arises due to physical inactivity, poor diet, and ageing.
Most of the time, it is naturally resolved. However, if the condition persists for more than a few weeks, then it is considered chronic. In such a case, healthcare professionals recommend taking laxatives. However, these medications offer side effects like diarrhoea, cramps, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration. Thus people are advised to opt for natural remedies instead.
