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

Pro

Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Community contributions welcome

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

Cohort Study

Human

This study found that people with chronic constipation felt better and had more regular bowel movements when they ate less fiber—or even no fiber—instead of more, which goes against the common belief that fiber fixes constipation.

Contradicting (0)

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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

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.

92%

Most people who came in with constipation were already eating a lot of fiber—so they weren’t lacking it, which challenges the idea that fiber deficiency causes constipation.

90%

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.

90%

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

89%

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.

85%