Constipation
Is there a link between cheese and constipation? No. Constipation is not caused by any individual food. It is most often a result of a lack of dietary fibre, inadequate hydration and inadequate physical activity.
The myth that cheese causes constipation is still prevalent even though there is no scientific evidence to support it. Research has not demonstrated any association between consumption of cheese and increased incidence of constipation, slower intestinal transit time or any other indicator of bowel function in adults.1,2 Constipation is often caused by a variety of lifestyle factors and medications. It is not due to any specific food.3,4 People who suffer from constipation should consume high-fibre foods, drink more fluids and exercise regularly.5
References
- Sandler RS et al. Demographic and dietary determinants of constipation in the US population. Am J Public Health, 1990. 80(2): p. 185-9.
- Mykkanen HM et al. Effect of cheese on intestinal transit time and other indicators of bowel function in residents of a retirement home. Scand J Gastroenterol, 1994. 29(1): p. 29-32.
- Krause’s Food, Nutrition & Diet Therapy. 11th Edition, Saunders ed. 2004, Philadelphia: Elsevier (USA).
- Evans JM et al. Relation of colonic transit to functional bowel disease in older people: a population-based study. J Am Geriatr Soc, 1998. 46(1): p. 83-7.
- NIH, Constipation. 2007, National Institute of Health, US Department of Health and Human Sciences.
Keywords: constipation
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