Eating several kiwi fruit a day can help relieve constipation and is a better starting point than worrying about a high-fibre diet, according to new guidance for doctors on the condition.
The advice says drinking water high in minerals is better for constipation than tap water, and magnesium oxide supplements are good for improving symptoms.
Researchers from King's College London, who produced the guidance by examining all available evidence, said there are many more options for getting things moving than the standard advice to "just have more fibre in your diet".
Constipation that doesn't go away affects one in 10 people and can have a major impact on someone's quality of life.
You are constipated if you haven't had a bowel motion (poo) at least three times during the last week, or you're going less often than usual, says the NHS.
