13 Foods You Should Eat Instead of Taking a Fiber Supplement, According to Dietitians

 Will your competent? doctor guarantee these are included in your hospital diet protocol and your take home diet protocol? EXACT AMOUNTS NEEDED! Or doesn't your doctor know this fact?  The incidence of constipation for stroke was 48%.  June 2017

Oh NO! YOUR DOCTOR WILL DO NOTHING, RIGHT?

13 Foods You Should Eat Instead of Taking a Fiber Supplement, According to Dietitians

Fiber is found in plenty of foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. If you eat a balanced diet full of these, you should get enough fiber to meet your needs. However, the typical Western diet high in processed foods is often lacking in this nutrient.

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. There are two types, soluble and insoluble, and both are important for our health, Amy Bragagnini, a dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells TODAY.com.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and turns into a gel-like substance which slows digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer, says Bragagnini. Eating enough soluble fiber helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, she adds.

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water but instead adds bulk to stools. "Insoluble fiber helps food move more easily through our digestive system and promotes regularity," Bragagnini says.

Insoluble fiber is particularly good for relieving constipation, Jennifer Bruning, a registered dietitian also affiliated with AND, tells TODAY.com. Maintaining regular bowel movements helps lower the risk of bowel disease, hemorrhoids, and reduces the risk of colon cancer, says Bruning.

Fiber feeds the good bacteria in our gut, which helps promote a healthy microbiome. Getting enough fiber helps lower the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, and research links higher-fiber diets better mental health, Bruning adds.

Not eating enough fiber can not only lead to constipation and irregularity, but also cause blood sugar spikes throughout the day, which may lead to insulin resistance, Bragagnini says.

In the long-term, low fiber intake can lead to irritable bowel syndrome or diverticulitis. It's also linked with higher cholesterol and a higher risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, the experts note.

Benefits of Getting Fiber from Foods

"A diet that is filled with a variety of foods not only delivers excellent fiber sources but also supplies a plethora of vitamins and minerals essential to our health," says Bragagnini.

Fiber supplements may seem convenient, but they won’t provide the same health benefits as whole foods, the experts note.

Supplements may only contain fiber from one or two sources, says Bruning. These include psyillium, methycellulose, inulin, acacia gum, and wheat dextrin, per the Cleveland Clinic.

“Research that suggests that in addition to the amount of fiber in our diet, it’s important to have diversity in the sources of that fiber — in other words, eating a wide variety of fiber-containing foods,” says Bruning.

Fiber supplements can be a helpful tool if a person has dietary restrictions or an underlying condition that makes it harder to get enough fiber from their diet alone.

“I am not opposed to patients adding a fiber supplement if they are falling short, but too much could be problematic (and) lead to unwanted side effects,” says Bragagnini. Always talk to your doctor before starting a fiber supplement.

How Much Fiber Should You Eat a Day?

The amount of fiber you need to eat from food each day varies depending on your age, sex and calorie intake. “A handy estimate for adults is to shoot for 14 grams of dietary fiber for every 1,000 calories that you eat per day,” says Bruning.

For the average adult, this translates into the following amounts:

• Women: 25 grams of fiber per day

• Men: 38 grams of fiber per day

“I first urge patients to get a general idea of how much fiber they are already consuming,” says Bragagnini.

Tracking how much fiber you're eating in a daily food log can help you understand whether you need to increase your intake, and by how much.

Depending on how much fiber you normally eat, you'll want to increase your fiber intake slowly. “If a patient is only consuming an average of 10 grams of fiber a day, I will not have them immediately try to increase their intake to meet the recommended goals,” says Bragagnini.

Drastically increasing your fiber intake can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as bloating and gas pain, Bragagnini adds. In addition to gradually increasing fiber intake, it's important to drink more water to aid with digestion.

Foods to Eat Instead of Taking Fiber Supplements

You can get enough soluble and insoluble fiber from eating plant foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes. "Simply adding more (of these) to recipes will automatically increase your fiber and nutrient intake for the day," Bragagnini says.

"Choose the foods you like, have access to or are curious to try," says Bruning.

However, certain foods stand out for their impressive fiber content. Here are some high-fiber foods to eat more of instead of taking a fiber supplement:

Raspberries

Raspberries are packed with flavor and one of the healthiest high-fiber fruits you can eat, Frances Largeman-Roth, registered dietitian nutritionist, previously told TODAY.com.

One cup (123 grams) of fresh raspberries provides about 8 grams of fiber, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture database. That's about 20-30% of the daily value.

In addition to boosting your fiber intake, eating more raspberries can provide vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants.

Artichokes

Artichokes are delicious and offer a surprising amount of nutrients, including fiber.

One medium cooked artichoke provides about 7 grams of fiber. Artichokes are rich in a type of prebiotic called inulin, which supports a healthy microbiome. Artichokes are also rich in potassium, folate and antioxidants.

If you're intimidated by cooking fresh artichokes, canned artichoke hearts are a great place to start.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses packed with fiber, Bruning says. Sprinkling chia seeds into your diet is one of the easiest ways to increase your fiber intake.

That’s because one ounce of chia seeds provides nearly 10 grams of fiber, or about one-third of the daily value. Chia seeds also provide protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and other nutrients. Sprinkle them into yogurt or oatmeal, or prep an overnight chia seed pudding.

Oats

If you're looking for a whole grain packed with fiber, oats are an excellent choice, says Bruning.

A half-cup of oats provides four grams of fiber. Oats are particularly rich in a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects.

In addition to fiber, oats provide protein, which can help regulate blood sugar and curb hunger. Many dietitians consider oatmeal to be one of the healthiest breakfasts you can eat.

Lentils

Lentils are a versatile legume rich in fiber and other health-boosting nutrients.

One half-cup of boiled lentils provides 8 grams of dietary fiber, which is about 25% of the daily value. In addition to fiber, lentils pack 9 grams of plant protein along with B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants.

Lentils are cheap, versatile and make a delicious base for soups and curries.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a delicious, versatile vegetable that can increase the fiber content of any meal.

One cup of chopped, boiled broccoli provides 5 grams of gut-healthy dietary fiber, which can aid with digestion and promote satiety.

Broccoli is part of the cruciferous vegetable family, which is known for its antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties, Rizzo noted. Enjoy broccoli steamed, roasted or pureed into a fiber-filled pasta sauce.

Black Beans

Black beans are another high-fiber food you should consider eating before taking a supplement.

One half-cup of black beans provides about 8 grams of fiber, Rizzo say, along with 8 grams of plant protein, which helps you feel fuller for longer. Plus, black beans contain impressive amounts of iron, magnesium, potassium and folate, says Rizzo.

They're one of the healthiest canned foods to keep in your pantry.

Pears

When it comes to fruits, pears are a favorite food among dietitians to help meet fiber goals.

One medium pear provides about 6 grams of fiber, which is about 20% of the daily value. Pears are also rich in vitamin C, potassium and other minerals. There are many delicious varieties of pears.

Winter Squash

Winter squash is a hearty, colorful vegetable that's a winner among dietitians for its outstanding fiber content.

One cup of baked acorn squash, for example, provides a whopping 9 grams of dietary fiber, about 30% of the daily value.

In addition to gut-healthy fiber, winter squash is rich in beta-carotenes, a compound the body converts to vitamin A, as well as minerals and antioxidants.

Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor (and constipation) away.

One medium apple provides about 4-5 grams of fiber. It’s important to eat the skin of the apple, Rizzo says, which contains about half of the insoluble and soluble fiber found in the fruit.

These fall favorites are also rich in immune-boosting vitamin C, vitamin E and a flavonoid called quercetin, which may support heart health and protect against cancer, according to Largeman-Roth.

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans add a boost of fiber to any meal.

One half-cup of kidney beans has about 7 grams of dietary fiber and 8 grams of protein, along with slow-digesting carbohydrates.

This chili staple is especially rich in insoluble fiber, which helps stools pass more easily and promotes regularity. Kidney beans are also rich in iron and antioxidants that support heart health.

Avocado

These creamy, mild-tasting fruits — yes, avocados are fruits — are an easy way to up your fiber intake, says Bruning.

A serving of fresh avocado (about one-third of the fruit) provides nearly 4 grams of fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar and curb appetite. Avocados are also rich in heart-healthy fats, vitamins C and E, and potassium.

Quinoa

Quinoa is another whole grain that you can try eating more of to up your fiber intake, Bragagnini says.

One half-cup of cooked quinoa provides about 2.5 grams of fiber — it isn’t as heavy-hitting as some of the other foods on this list, but quinoa is an easy swap for lower-fiber, refined grains.

“We frequently use quinoa when making any dish that originally called for rice,” says Bragagnini.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com

Common digestive drug may help ease depression and brain fog

 What is your competent? doctors' EXACT PROTOCOL FOR BRAIN FOG? Doesn't have any, right? So, INCOMPETENT?

And your doctor totally missed this earlier research completely proving incompetence? Has s/he been fired yet? Why not?

• prucalopride (2 posts to October 2021)

This alone should have triggered its use.

 The incidence of constipation for stroke was 48%.  June 2017

Common digestive drug may help ease depression and brain fog

Many people recover from depression but continue to struggle with lingering symptoms such as memory problems, poor concentration and mental fog, which can affect work, relationships and daily life.

Scientists are now exploring an unexpected way to tackle those cognitive struggles—and it involves a medication more commonly associated with gut health than mental health.

The study, led by the University of Birmingham in collaboration with researchers at the University of Oxford in England, found early evidence that a prescription drug used to treat chronic constipation could help improve memory, attention and thinking speed in people with a history of depression.

Dr. Angharad de Cates, corresponding author of the study from the University of Birmingham, told Newsweek: “This study provides solid proof-of-concept for future studies in people with current symptoms of mental illness, particularly in terms of the potential for broad cognitive benefits.”

Brain Fog Often Persists After Depression

The findings, published in Psychological Medicine, suggest laxatives may target a lesser-known aspect of the condition often described as “brain fog.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 21 million U.S. adults have experienced at least one major depressive episode.

Newsweek discussed the study with consultant clinical psychologist Dr. Bradley Powell, who was not involved in the research. He said brain fog is a frequently overlooked aspect of depression.

“Brain fog is not a formal diagnosis, but it is a phrase many people use to describe feeling mentally slower, forgetful or unable to concentrate,” said Powell, the co-founder of Regal Private Therapy Practice, London. “In practice, it might mean reading the same email several times without taking it in, losing the thread of a conversation, forgetting appointments, struggling to organize tasks or finding relatively ordinary decisions unusually effortful.”

These cognitive symptoms can continue even after recovery, leaving people feeling as if they are not thinking as clearly or quickly as they once did.

Researchers wanted to investigate whether a medication called prucalopride could help address those lingering issues.

An Unlikely Medication

Prucalopride is already approved to treat chronic constipation. The drug works by activating a serotonin receptor known as 5-HT4, which is found not only in the gut but also in the brain.

Because serotonin plays an important role in both digestion and brain function, researchers wondered whether stimulating this receptor could improve cognitive performance.

The small experimental trial involved 50 adults who had experienced depression in the past but had recovered at least six months earlier. None were taking medication at the time of the study.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the standard 2mg dose of prucalopride or a placebo for between seven and 10 days.

Before and after treatment, participants completed a series of tests designed to measure memory, attention, processing speed and executive functioning—the mental skills used for planning, focusing and managing tasks.

Those who took prucalopride performed better than participants who received the placebo. Researchers found they responded both faster and more accurately on cognitive assessments.

“The results are encouraging but they are best understood as an early indication that deserves further study rather than evidence of a treatment that is ready for clinical use,” Powell said.

He highlights how it was a small trial with a fairly specific group. He added: “It does not tell us whether the same effects would be seen in people who are currently depressed, taking antidepressants, older, or experiencing significant cognitive problems in everyday life.”

No Significant Side Effects Reported

Researchers reported no significant side effects during the study period.

De Cates noted that participants did not experience serious gut-related complaints, explaining that prucalopride works as a laxative by gently stimulating bowel movements.

The study assessed several aspects of cognition, including short- and long-term memory, working memory, attention and processing speed. When researchers combined the results, the prucalopride group showed higher accuracy and faster response times than the placebo group.

Early Findings, but Promising

The researchers cautioned that the study was small and designed to provide early evidence rather than definitive answers. Larger studies will be needed to determine whether the benefits can be replicated and whether the drug could eventually play a role in treating depression-related cognitive symptoms.

De Cates told Newsweek: “Our findings offer promise for addressing cognitive problems in depression, but this research area is still at the exploratory phase.”

De Cates added that prucalopride is already approved for constipation but it is still too early for people to use it as a treatment for cognitive symptoms.

“We need dedicated clinical trials in this area before it can become a treatment option,” De Cates said.

The team plans to continue investigating treatments for cognitive difficulties associated with major depressive disorder. Previous research has also suggested that drugs targeting the 5-HT4 receptor may help reduce the risk of depression, raising the possibility that this class of medication could offer broader mental health benefits in the future.

Reference

De Cates, A., et al, (2026). “Common Constipation Drug May Help Clear Depression Brain Fog.” Psychological Medicine, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011751.htm. Accessed 17 July 2026.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Charlotte Nisbet and James Debens

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Increased Risk of Stroke in Constipation Patients

 Here's a vicious circle your competent? doctor has to navigate. The best solution would be 100% recovery and getting back to your daily life, but that won't occur, your doctor has been incompetent in getting research done for 100% recovery.

The incidence of constipation for stroke was 48%. 

Laxative use may be linked to dementia risk, study says

So, maybe marijuana?

Marijuana use linked with decreased constipation

You'll have to break thru your doctor's reluctance.

Why Are Physicians So Reluctant to Use Cannabinoid Medications?

The latest here:

Increased Risk of Stroke in Constipation Patients

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Suenghataiphorn, Thanathip MD^*; Yanpiset, Panat MD^†; Xanthavanij, Nutchapon MD^‡; Srikulmontri, Thitiphan MD^§; Thiravetyan, Ben MD^†; Tribuddharat, Narisara MD^∥; Prasitsumrit, Vitchapong MD^¶; Danpanichkul, Pojsakorn MD^†; Sodsri, Tulaton MD^#; Kulthamrongsri, Narathorn MD^**; Wattanachayaku, Phuuwadith MD^§

Author Information

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology ():10.1097/MCG.0000000000002127, December 23, 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000002127

• Buy
• SDC
• PAP

Abstract

Objective: 

Constipation is commonly seen among patients with cardiovascular diseases and is linked to adverse outcomes. However, the association between constipation and the risk of stroke remains conflicting. Therefore, we aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the available data on this topic.

Methods: 

We identified potentially eligible studies from the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, searching from inception to May 2024, to investigate the association between constipation and stroke. To be included, studies needed to compare the incidence of stroke between groups with and without constipation. Effect size and 95% CIs were combined using the generic inverse variance method.

Results: 

Our meta-analysis included 8 studies that met the eligibility criteria. There were 5,360,573 participants, with a mean age of 53.9 years and 69% are males. We found that patients with constipation have a 41% increased risk of stroke with a pooled risk ratio of 1.41 (95% CI: 1.13-1.75; P < 0.01, I² = 99%) compared with those without constipation. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with constipation have a 50% increased risk of ischemic stroke with a pooled risk ratio of 1.50 (95% CI: 1.15-1.96; P < 0.01, I² = 99%), but no statistical significance was found for mixed-type stroke outcome.

Conclusions: 

Our study revealed that constipation is associated with a higher risk of stroke. These findings could influence future strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention and management in patients with chronic constipation

Constipation Risk Shows Causal Link With Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder

 With your 48% risk of constipation post stroke, does your competent? doctor have EXACT PROTOCOLS TO PREVENT THAT PROBLEM? NO? So, you DON'T have a functioning stroke doctor, do you?

The incidence of constipation for stroke was 48%. 

 

Laxative use may be linked to dementia risk, study says

So, maybe marijuana?

Marijuana use linked with decreased constipation

The latest here:

Constipation Risk Shows Causal Link With Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder

Mendelian randomization analysis of genome-wide association study data suggests schizophrenia and major depressive disorder may cause constipation.

Schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD) may be genetically associated with increased risk for constipation but only the latter association appears to be clinically significant, according to results of a Mendelian randomization study published in Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology.

Constipation, a common and often debilitating gastrointestinal disorder affecting an estimated 10.4% of the global population, is more prevalent among older adults and individuals with mental health conditions. Although previous studies have linked psychiatric disorders to constipation, the causal mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear.

To explore this relationship, researchers utilized genome-wide association study data extracted from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium 2021 and 2022 datasets. The study included psychiatric data captured from individuals of European ancestry with schizophrenia (n=30,490) or MDD (n=170,756), as well as control groups of individuals without these conditions (n=312,009 and n=329,443, respectively). FinnGen summary statistics were used to extract data from 17,246 individuals with constipation and 201,546 without constipation (controls). Genetic correlations were evaluated using linkage disequilibrium score regression and genome-wide association study summary statistics for schizophrenia and MDD. Causal effects were estimated via inverse-variance weighting, with schizophrenia and MDD assessed as exposures of interest and constipation as the primary outcome.

Our study provides suggestive evidence that genetically increasing odds of SCZ and MDD are statistically significantly associated with the risk of Constipation.

Significant genetic correlations were found between constipation and both psychiatric disorders. For schizophrenia, the genetic correlation coefficient was 0.0423 (P <.05), while for MDD, it was 0.0517 (P <.05). Mendelian randomization analysis demonstrated a causal association between schizophrenia and constipation (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07; P <.01). This relationship was supported by complementary analyses, including MR-Egger and weighted median methods. Instrument strength was robust (mean F-statistic, 291), with no evidence of heterogeneity (Cochran Q, P =.11) or horizontal pleiotropy (Egger intercept, P =.81).

The researchers also observed a causal relationship between MDD and constipation (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.10-1.33; P <.01). Weighted median analysis further supported this finding (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03-1.38, P =.02). Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy testing confirmed the validity of these results (Cochran Q, P =.09 and Egger intercept, P =.39), and instrument strength remained strong (mean F-statistic, 291).

In patients with constipation, the researchers noted significantly higher risks for somatization, psychosis, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Limitations of the study include its focus on individuals of European ancestry, which may limit generalizability; exclusion of other psychiatric disorders and subtypes of constipation; and lack of bidirectional analysis of Mendelian randomization causality between constipation and psychotic disorders.

According to the researchers, “Our study provides suggestive evidence that genetically increasing odds of SCZ [schizophrenia] and MDD are statistically significantly associated with the risk of Constipation.”

This article originally appeared on Gastroenterology Advisor

References:

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture in post-stroke constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

But is marijuana better? 

Don't do the following, I'm not medically trained.

Marijuana use linked with decreased constipation

The latest here:

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture in post-stroke constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tianye Sun¹ Kaiyue Wang¹ Lili Li¹ Mingyuan Yan¹ Lin Zou¹ Mi Zhang¹ Songyi Yang¹ Jing Wu² Jinmin Liu^3*

• ¹Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
• ²Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
• ³Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China

Background and objective: Post-stroke constipation (PSC) is a common complication of strokes that seriously affects the recovery and quality of life of patients, and effective treatments are needed. Acupuncture is a viable treatment option, but current evidence is insufficient to support its efficacy and safety. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of PSC.

Methods: A systematic search of eight databases was conducted to identify PSC-related randomized clinical trials from the inception of each database through May 2023. Methodological quality assessment was conducted by RoB 2.0, meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.1, and evidence quality was evaluated by GRADE. Moreover, reporting quality of acupuncture interventions was assessed using the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA).

Results: Thirty RCTs involving 2,220 patients were identified. We found that acupuncture was superior to conventional treatment (CT) in improving total responder rate [risk ratio (RR): 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09 to 1.25, p < 0.0001], decreasing constipation symptom scores [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.65, 95% CI: −0.83 to −0.46, p < 0.00001], increasing serum P substance (SP) levels (SMD: 1.92, 95% CI: 0.47 to 3.36, p = 0.009), reducing the time to first bowel movement (BM) (SMD: -1.19, 95% CI: −2.13 to −0.25, p = 0.01), and lowing serum vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels (SMD: –2.11, 95% CI: −3.83 to −0.38, p = 0.02). Furthermore, acupuncture plus CT was superior regarding total responder rate (RR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.35, p < 0.00001), serum SP levels (SMD: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.65–2.35, p < 0.00001), time to first BM (SMD: –2.08, 95% CI: −2.44 to −1.71, p < 0.00001), and serum VIP levels (SMD: –1.71, 95% CI: −2.24 to −1.18, p < 0.00001). However, regarding Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) score, acupuncture plus CT was superior to CT (SMD: -2.48, 95% CI: −3.22 to −1.73, p < 0.00001), while there was no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and CT (SMD: 0.28, 95% CI: −0.02 to 0.58, p = 0.07). Acupuncture causes fewer AEs than CT (RR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.26, p < 0.00001), though there was no statistically significant difference between acupuncture plus CT vs. CT (RR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.60 to 2.84, p = 0.51).

Conclusion: Acupuncture may be an effective and safe therapy for PSC. However, given the inferior quality of clinical data, additional well-designed RCTs are required to confirm these findings.

1. Introduction

Stroke is one of the top three global disease burdens (GBD 2019 Stroke Collaborators, 2021), and post-stroke constipation (PSC) is a common complication with a prevalence of 50–70% in stroke patients (Su et al., 2009; Liu Q. et al., 2018; Liu Z. et al., 2018). PSC seriously affects the treatment and rehabilitation of stroke (Harris and Chang, 2022), leading to decreased quality of life, prolonged hospitalization, and increased healthcare costs. PSC also induces or aggravates other complications like post-stroke depression and may lead to recurrent stroke and death (Sumida et al., 2019), placing a substantial burden on the national healthcare system.

The exact mechanism of PSC is unclear. Studies suggest a close relationship with autonomic dysfunction (Liu Q. et al., 2018; Liu Z. et al., 2018), multidrug usage (Su et al., 2009), dietary changes, and reduced activity (Lim et al., 2015). Recently, the brain-gut axis has received much attention as a bi-directional channel between the gastrointestinal tract and the autonomic nerves of the central nervous system that uses a variety of neurotransmitters, brain-gut peptides, and gut microbes (Carabotti et al., 2015; Camilleri, 2021; Xu et al., 2021), which are considered relevant to the development of PSC. Because of the lack of clinical and basic research related to PSC, current treatment strategies are mostly based on clinical practice guidelines for functional constipation (Chang et al., 2022, 2023), such as the use of laxatives, 5-hydroxytryptamine type 4 agonists, and enemas. However, relief is usually temporary, and side effects such as bloating, diarrhea, colon damage, melanosis coli, and cardiovascular adverse events cannot be ignored (Gilsenan et al., 2019; Chang et al., 2022, 2023). Safer and more effective alternative treatments are urgently needed.

Acupuncture is a complementary and alternative medicine of Chinese origin, of which the most common forms include manual acupuncture (MA), electroacupuncture (EA), moxibustion, and warm acupuncture (WA). Studies demonstrate that acupuncture is a relatively safe alternative to laxatives that effectively alleviates gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in patients (Wang et al., 2015; Liu et al., 2016; Pei et al., 2020; Lu et al., 2022; Zheng et al., 2022). Moreover, electrophysiology studies have shown that acupuncture regulates autonomic nerves and gastrointestinal hormones by transmitting signals from somatic stimulation to the central nervous system via the upper spinal cord, thereby affecting gastrointestinal tract function (Takahashi, 2013).

Clearly, acupuncture may be an effective and safe complementary and alternative therapy to improve PSC. Previous meta-analyses (Yang et al., 2014; Tang et al., 2020) have investigated the therapeutic effects of acupuncture on PSC, but their conclusions require further validation because of deficiencies in outcome indicators, included literature, and controls for confounding factors. Therefore, to further confirm the efficacy and safety of the treatment, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the available clinical evidence on the latest randomized clinical trial (RCT) data of acupuncture for PSC

More at link.