Cutting fiber might help constipation because it makes poop smaller and less gas is made in the gut, so it’s easier to go and you don’t feel as bloated.

Most people with chronic constipation chose to keep eating less fiber after trying it, because they felt better—only a few went back to eating lots of fiber.

People with constipation who ate no fiber stopped straining to poop, while everyone who kept eating fiber still had to strain hard.

This study shows that people with constipation don’t need fiber to poop normally—many felt better when they stopped eating it.

People with constipation who kept taking fiber pills or eating lots of whole grains didn’t feel better—even if they tried to change their habits, the fiber kept them feeling the same.

Only people who stopped all fiber felt less stomach pain—those who just cut back or kept eating fiber still had the same pain after six months.