Fact Check: Can fenugreek treat constipation?

Can Fenugreek treat constipation?

Claim: A social media post on Pinterest claims that Fenugreek can treat constipation. They mentioned other benefits of fenugreek along with the claim of treating constipation. The link to the post is here.

FACT CHECK:

The claim is half true.

What is Constipation?

According to World Gastroenterology Organization Constipation is a symptom, not a disease.Different patients have different perceptions of symptoms. Some patients regard constipation as straining (52%), while for others, it means hard, pellet-like stools (44%) an inability to defecate when desired (34%), or infrequent defecation (33%). (1) There is constipation if patients who do not take laxatives report at least two of the following in any 12 weeks during the previous 12 months:

• Fewer than three bowel movements (BMs) per week
• Hard stool in more than 25% of BMs
• A sense of incomplete evacuation in more than 25% of BMs
• Excessive straining in more than 25% of BMs

What causes Constipation?

Constipation in adults has many possible causes. Sometimes there's no obvious reason. 

Dr Meghraj Ingle Director and a Senior Consultant of Gastroenterology explained to the Medical Dialogues team the various possible causes of constipation including:

1. Lack of fibre in the diet

2. Inadequate fluid intake.

3. Lack of physical activity:

4. Certain medications: Some medications, such as opioids, antacids, and antidepressants, can interfere with normal bowel function and cause constipation.

5. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menstrual cycles can affect the regularity of bowel movements.

6. Digestive disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause constipation.

7. Stress and anxiety: Psychological factors like stress and anxiety can disrupt normal bowel function and result in constipation.

8. Aging: As people age, the muscles involved in bowel movement may weaken, contributing to constipation.

9. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and neurological disorders, can affect bowel function and cause constipation.

Benefits of Fenugreek:

Fenugreek fibre may be useful for treating constipation and hinder the development of diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Fenugreek fibre promotes normal location due to imperfect fermentation in the large intestine. It can make the waste bulky, soften the stool by holding water and minimize the transit time through the intestine; hence, it helps to keep constant and steady stool time. (3)

Can Fenugreek Treat Constipation?

According to a study by Anon., 2013 et al Fenugreek has been used to relieve colds, bronchial complaints, influenza, asthma, catarrh, constipation, sinusitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, sore throat, laryngitis, hay fever tuberculosis and emphysema(2)

A study by Wani et al. highlighted the potential of fenugreek in easing constipation. (4) “Non-starchy polysaccharides increase the bulk of the food and increase the bowel movement. Also, non-starchy polysaccharides assist in smooth digestion whereas high fibre of fenugreek helps in relieving constipation ailments,” 

Dr Pratik Tibdewal, a Consultant Gastroenterologist with an experience of 16 years explained that “Fenugreek is known for its potential to alleviate constipation due to its high fibre content. The seeds of fenugreek are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, which can help soften the stool, promote bowel movements, and relieve constipation. The soluble fibre absorbs water, making the stool bulkier and easier to pass, while the insoluble fibre adds bulk to the stool and helps it move through the digestive system. Fenugreek can also aid in digestion and reduce intestinal inflammation, which may contribute to its positive effects on constipation. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary, and it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using any natural remedy for constipation.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

Based on the available evidence, fenugreek may aid in treating constipation due to its high fibre content and other beneficial compounds by softening bowel movement and alleviating the symptoms of constipation. As constipation is a symptom, the disease due to which it's happening needs to be treated. As results may vary from individual to individual, the claim to treat constipation is half true.

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/guidelines/constipation.

2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/.

3. https://nfsr.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-120-en.pdf.

4. https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2090006#:~:text=Fenugreek%20is%20a%20mild%20bulk,either%20bulk%2Dforming%20or%20stimulating.