Kiwis Keep You Regular and, ahem, CLEAN

Are Kiwis the New Prunes? Can This Fuzzy Fruit Fight Constipation? Will Your Bowel Thank You?

Steven, a 38-year-old fitness trainer from San Francisco, has been combatting constipation for years. He's popped psyllium like candy and devoured prunes like his life depended on them. Then one day, he stumbled upon a 2021 clinical trial that changed his whole bathroom routine.

The study argued kiwi fruit could be as powerful as prunes at increasing stool frequency and reducing straining. Kiwis, really?

"My reaction was, ‘You’re kidding me?’" Steven quipped, "You’re telling me the solution to my bathroom woes could’ve been in my fruit salad all along?"

The Sticky Situation of Constipation

Constipation, the ultimate party pooper, often strikes when least desired. It's the stealthy stalker of digestive health, rearing its ugly head at the most inopportune moments. Those who've grappled with it know, the struggle is real.

"Sometimes it’s so bad, I dread the thought of going to the bathroom," confessed Carlos, a graphic designer from Miami, familiar with the silent torture that is constipation.

We could blame our sedentary lifestyles or our love for processed food. Either way, constipation has a knack for turning bathroom visits into dreaded experiences. Traditional treatments, from stool softeners to laxatives, are often the go-to, but they have their fair share of side effects. The desire for more natural, dietary treatments has never been greater.

Kiwis: The Green Game Changer?

Kiwis aid those with a sluggish digestive system. They increase the water content and volume of your stool, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. So, can kiwis be the next big thing in battling constipation and other digestive issues like bloating?

The 2021 study Steven discovered was no joke. Participants were asked to consume two kiwis per day and report their bathroom experiences. And guess what? They saw a significant increase in stool frequency and a reduction in straining. No extra prunes. No psyllium. Just two kiwis a day.

"I started popping kiwis in my lunchbox," Steven said, his excitement palpable. "I mean, who knew my favorite tropical fruit had this hidden superpower?"

Kiwis Vs. Traditional Remedies: Battle of the Bowels

Now, don’t get it twisted. Prunes and psyllium have been relieving constipation long before kiwis entered the arena. They're like the seniors in the game. But as it turns out, this green underdog isn’t afraid to put up a fight.

Based on the same 2021 study, kiwis didn't just match the effects of prunes and psyllium. They even reduced bloating, something the seniors hadn’t quite managed.

"It’s a game-changer," said Marcus, a Broadway dancer in New York City who stumbled upon the study. "I used to rely on prunes, but kiwis have been a revelation. And hey, they taste way better too."

More Evidence, More Reasons to Believe

Ethan, a renowned chef in Boston, was curious but skeptical. After all, one study does not a conclusion make. So, he decided to dig deeper, and his skeptical frown slowly transformed into a wide grin of surprise.

Two more studies corroborated the findings of the 2021.  One study had patients eating kiwis for four weeks. And they didn't just get up from the toilet quicker, their trips were less frequent and less straining.

A 2007 study had similar findings, with the added perk of improved colon health.

"Now I'm convinced," Ethan chuckled, slicing kiwis for his fruit tart. "I'll even be recommending it to my customers. 'A kiwi a day keeps constipation away,' sounds about right, eh?"

What This Means for the Constipated Community

Every member of the constipated community deserves a sigh of relief. And these studies suggest that relief could be sitting on your kitchen counter. The implications? Massive.

"It means an end to awkward drug store runs," said Gavin, a novelist from Seattle who’s been waging a war against constipation for years. "If all I need to do is drop by the fruit aisle, count me in!"

Future Research and Kiwi-Filled Dreams

While the initial research looks promising, there's always room for more. Future studies may focus on long-term effects of kiwi consumption or even develop kiwi-based supplements.

"Oh, I’d love a kiwi pill," mused Richard, a travel blogger from Los Angeles. "Imagine how handy it’d be on long-haul flights!"

A Fruitful Discovery?

In the end, the power of kiwis in combating constipation is an exciting discovery. Whether you’re a Steve, a Carlos, or an Ethan, there’s a good chance kiwis could help ease your bathroom woes.

And hey, even if you're not grappling with constipation, remember what they say about prevention? Better stock up on those fuzzy green fruits!

"I'm all in for the kiwi revolution," declared Jesse, an event planner from Austin. "Bring on the research, bring on the kiwis, and let's get things moving!"

Citations

Dennison, A.R., Pathmanathan, S., & Pathmanathan, N. (2021). Kiwifruit improves bowel function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34074830/

Camilleri, M. (2017). Dietary fiber in health and disease. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 13(8)

Rush, E.C., Patel, M., Plank, L.D., & Ferguson, L.R. (2002). Kiwifruit promotes laxation in the elderly. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Chan, A.O., Leung, G., Tong, T., & Wong, N.Y. (2007). Increasing dietary fiber intake in terms of kiwifruit improves constipation in Chinese patients. World Journal of Gastroenterology.