Download Dried Plums for Effective Constipation Relief

Chronic constipation is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and even impact daily life. In this study, researchers compared the effectiveness of dried plums and psyllium in treating chronic constipation, with surprising results.

The study involved 40 patients, almost all women, who had experienced symptoms of constipation for at least three months. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either six dried plums twice a day or one tablespoon of psyllium per day containing six grams of fiber for three weeks. After this period, the treatment was reversed, and the patients received the alternative treatment for another three weeks.

The results showed that all symptoms returned to baseline levels after the discontinuation of treatment at the six-week follow-up. However, stool consistency scores improved significantly with dried plum treatment. Straining and global constipation symptoms did not differ between the two treatments. Notably, the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements increased from an average of 1.7 per week to 3.5 per week with dried plums and 2.8 per week with psyllium.

The crossover design used in this study allowed each patient to serve as their own control, decreasing the number of participants needed to find a benefit. This design also helped to minimize potential biases and provide more accurate results.

The findings of this study suggest that dried plums can be an effective treatment option for chronic constipation, particularly when it comes to improving stool consistency and increasing complete spontaneous bowel movements. With its natural fiber content and ease of consumption, dried plums may offer a convenient and pleasant way to manage symptoms of constipation.

In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that dried plums can be an effective treatment option for chronic constipation, with benefits comparable to those of psyllium. For individuals suffering from chronic constipation, incorporating dried plums into their diet may be a valuable addition to their treatment plan.

Download dried plums