THE INFLUENCE OF DIETARY FIBER AND HYDRATION ON CONSTIPATION IN WOMEN OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS
Keywords:
constipation, women, dietary fiber, hydration, gastrointestinal health, soluble and insoluble fiber, gut motility, microbiomeAbstract
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal issue that disproportionately affects women across all age groups. Dietary fiber and hydration are two critical factors in the management and prevention of constipation. This review explores the impact of fiber and hydration on constipation in women, emphasizing variations across life stages. The role of fiber types (soluble and insoluble), hydration levels, and age-related physiological changes are discussed in detail. Current literature is synthesized to identify trends, gaps, and practical recommendations for clinical interventions. Knowledge gaps and suggestions for future research are also highlighted.
References
Slavin, J. L. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417-1435. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041417
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (n.d.). Constipation. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://www.medlineplus.gov
Voderholzer, W. A., Schatke, W., Müller-Lissner, S. A. (1997). Fiber in the treatment of chronic constipation: A critical review. International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 12(4), 223-229. https://doi.org/10.1007/s003840050091
Institute of Medicine (US). (2004). Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate. National Academies Press.
Murakami, K., Okubo, H., & Sasaki, S. (2006). Dietary intake of fiber in relation to constipation in Japanese women. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 60(5), 584-590. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602347
World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Healthy diet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
McRorie, J. W., & Chey, W. D. (2016). Fermented fiber supplements are superior to fiber-rich foods in managing constipation. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology, 7, e206. https://doi.org/10.1038/ctg.2016.52
Ford, A. C., & Suares, N. C. (2011). Effect of laxatives and fiber in chronic constipation: Systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 106(9), 1582-1593. https://doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2011.172
Bothe, M. K., et al. (2019). Interactions between dietary fiber intake and hydration in constipation relief. Journal of Nutritional Science, 8, e34. https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2019.25
Cummings, J. H., & Stephen, A. M. (2007). Carbohydrate terminology and classification. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61(S1), S5-S18. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602946
