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

Scientific Claim

In adults with idiopathic constipation, the reduction or elimination of dietary fiber is associated with a significant decrease in straining during bowel movements, with 100% of high-fiber patients continuing to strain versus 0% in the no-fiber group.

Original Statement

“For no fiber, reduced fiber and high fiber groups, respectively, ... straining to pass stools occurred in 0%, 43.8% and 100% (P < 0.001).”

From study:Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms.

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 design cannot prove fiber causes straining; confounding factors like behavioral changes or placebo effects are possible. The association is strong, but causation is not established.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms.

Cohort Study

Human

People with chronic constipation who stopped eating fiber had no trouble straining to poop, while those who kept eating fiber still struggled—exactly what the claim says.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms.

Score: 39

DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i33.4593

Similar Assertions

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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