A study published online July 2, 2025, by Gastroenterology tracked the dietary patterns of nearly 96,000 middle-aged and older adults for several years to determine who was more likely to develop chronic constipation, defined as symptoms persisting for at least 12 weeks per year. The participants completed periodic dietary questionnaires, and based on their answers, were categorized into five eating patterns: a Mediterranean-style diet, a plant-based diet that excluded meat, a low-carb diet, a Western diet with a high intake of red and processed meats and refined grains, and a pro-inflammatory diet rich in ultra-processed foods linked to high blood inflammation markers. Re-searchers found that people who consistently followed a Mediterranean or plant-based diet were less likely to develop chronic constipation than individuals who adhered to a Western or inflammatory diet. (The low-carb group showed no difference.)
The Mediterranean and similar plant-based diets are high in fiber, which adds bulk and softness to stool, making it easier to pass through the intestines. Plant-based diets also include other nutrients, such as probiotics, antioxidants, and polyphenols, that may work together to improve gut health and digestion.
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