All blocked up
New Zealand Listener|June 11 - 17, 2022
There's no hard evidence that dairy products may cause constipation but there could be a link for certain children suffering from the condition.
Jennifer Bowden
All blocked up

Question: Is it true that milk and cheese can constipate some people - or is this just a fallacy?

Answer: Constipation is an uncomfortable but relatively common condition for both adults and children. While dietary factors, such as low fibre intake, have been implicated in causing bowel movement problems, only recently have clinical trials pointed to a possible role of dairy products.

Constipation tends to affect more women than men; it is also more common among older adults and those who are immobile. However, it does not discriminate by age, as it is also widespread among children; it is estimated up to 30% of young people may experience it at some stage.

Constipation can have many causes, including certain medications and supplements, gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, other health conditions, diet, and lifestyle habits such as lack of physical activity.

While the role of dietary fibre in its prevention is pretty much ironclad from a research perspective, the evidence linking dairy-product intake to constipation is less so. For instance, a recent observational study suggested moderate dairy intake is associated with a reduced risk in women. In contrast, a clinical trial found that removing dairy from the diet resolved constipation among a group of children diagnosed with the chronic form of the condition. So, which is it?

この記事は New Zealand Listener の June 11 - 17, 2022 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は New Zealand Listener の June 11 - 17, 2022 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

NEW ZEALAND LISTENERのその他の記事すべて表示
First-world problem
New Zealand Listener

First-world problem

Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.

time-read
3 分  |
September 9, 2024
Applying intelligence to AI
New Zealand Listener

Applying intelligence to AI

I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.

time-read
2 分  |
September 9, 2024
Nazism rears its head
New Zealand Listener

Nazism rears its head

Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.

time-read
2 分  |
September 9, 2024
Staying ahead of the game
New Zealand Listener

Staying ahead of the game

Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?

time-read
4 分  |
September 9, 2024
Grasping the nettle
New Zealand Listener

Grasping the nettle

Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.

time-read
3 分  |
September 9, 2024
Hangry? Eat breakfast
New Zealand Listener

Hangry? Eat breakfast

People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.

time-read
3 分  |
September 9, 2024
Chemical reaction
New Zealand Listener

Chemical reaction

Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.

time-read
4 分  |
September 9, 2024
Me and my guitar
New Zealand Listener

Me and my guitar

Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.

time-read
2 分  |
September 9, 2024
Time is on my side
New Zealand Listener

Time is on my side

Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?

time-read
7 分  |
September 9, 2024
The kids are not alright
New Zealand Listener

The kids are not alright

Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.

time-read
4 分  |
September 9, 2024