People who cut back on fiber didn’t just feel better right away—they kept feeling better for at least six months.

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 chronic constipation who cut back on fiber (but didn’t eliminate it) started pooping almost daily and felt less strain and bloating after six months.

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.

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.

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