For people who have trouble pooping and feel bloated, stopping all fiber-rich foods like veggies, fruits, and whole grains for six months helped them poop daily, stop straining, and feel less bloated.
Scientific Claim
In adults with idiopathic constipation, complete elimination of dietary fiber for six months is associated with an increase in bowel movement frequency from one motion every 3.75 days to one motion per day, along with complete resolution of straining and abdominal bloating in all participants.
Original Statement
“Of those who stopped fiber completely, the bowel frequency increased from one motion in 3.75 d (± 1.59 d) to one motion in 1.0 d (± 0.0 d) (P < 0.001); ... symptoms of bloating were present in 0%, ... and straining to pass stools occurred in 0% ...”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study is observational and non-randomized; patients self-selected their fiber intake, so causation cannot be inferred. The claim uses definitive language ('is associated with') but implies a direct effect, which the design cannot confirm.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
This study found that when people with chronic constipation stopped eating fiber altogether, they started having bowel movements every day and stopped feeling bloated or straining—exactly what the claim says.