What to eat to ease chronic constipation, according to new guidelines

New dietary guidelines from the British Dietetic Association say that kiwis — along with rye bread and certain supplements — can help improve constipation symptoms.

When it comes to the best foods for easing chronic constipation, are kiwis on your grocery list?

New dietary guidelines from the British Dietetic Association, published Monday, say that kiwis — along with rye bread and certain supplements — can help improve constipation symptoms.

The guidelines, the authors say, are the first evidence-based recommendations for treating constipation with diet, not medications.

Chronic constipation affects around 16% of adults worldwide, and constipation is the reason for almost 2.5 million doctors visits in the U.S. per year, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

Eirini Dimidi, a lead author of the guidelines, said the existing guidance for managing chronic constipation is largely focused on pharmaceuticals.