Constipation improves with a surprising starch

In this episode we discuss a starch that influences intestinal motility.  Improving constipation.

Starch for constipation?  Sounds strange I’m sure, but let’s uncover this viable option for all constipation sufferers.

First off, constipation after gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery is common.  Many will begin this battle only after bariatric surgery.

Unfortunately, constipation is complex.  Requiring multiple approaches to correct.  In fact, this surprising starch may be a viable option to consider!

First, starch after bariatric surgery?

Just hear me out…

I’m sure you’re questioning the use of “starch” after gastric sleeve & bypass.  As a high protein low “starch” diet is likely what you follow.

To some degree, I’m on board with this.  However, including certain types of starch have health benefits.

In actuality, not all starch are the same.  Refined carbohydrates found in ultra-processed foods rarely contain beneficial starch.

To elaborate further, why the “type” of starch matters.  Certain starch produce  short-chain fatty acids(SCFA).  To explain, SCFA are potent signaling molecules that change the biochemistry of your cells & tissue.

For most, this means your health will improve when more short-chain fatty acids are produced.  This includes bariatric surgery!

Constipation connection with short-chain fatty acids(SCFA)

SCFA are produced by bacterial fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates and fiber.  To further explain, acetate, propionate and butyrate are the major products of this fermentation.

Each SCFA benefiting your health differently.

• Acetate has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity.
• Propionate is thought to lower serum cholesterol levels, fat stores & tissue carcinogenesis.
• Butyrate influences metabolism, lowers gut inflammation, improves intestinal permeability. as well as impacts gene expression and intestinal motility.

What do we know about SCFA and bariatric surgery?

A study published in 2020 in the Journal of Nutrients found…

“Six months post roux-en-y gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery the total amount of SCFA was reduced.”

They associate this result with a lower carbohydrate/starch intake.  In fact, this study stated,

“Dietary interventions could counteract the unfavorable effects.”

Third, SCFA producers

As we’ve discussed, non-digestible carbohydrate and fiber manufacture SCFA.  These include:

• Resistant starch
• Oligosaccharides
• Disaccharides
• Sugar alcohols

Although the production of all SCFA are beneficial, we’ll focus on the starch that produces butyrate.  So the star of the show for this discussion is resistant starch.  

Resistant starch is the major producer of butyrate.

Fourth, what is resistant starch?

Resistant starch just means its digestion resistant.  It’s a portion of starch that cannot be digested by amylases(digestive enzyme) in the small intestines.  It passes to the colon fermented by gut bacteria.  As a result, your blood sugar is not impacted.

Fifth, foods rich in resistant starch

Foods to include:

• Partially milled grains and seeds
• Uncooked potatoes
• Cooked and chilled potatoes and rice
• Green bananas & plantains
• Beans & lentils

To conclude, if you struggle with constipation after gastric sleeve and bypass surgery.  You may want to work on increasing SCFA.  Specifically butyrate.   Butyrate has the ability to influence intestinal motility lessening constipation.  In short, increasing resistant starch foods is one way to increase butyrate.

Finally, are you struggling with constipation?

If you have chronic constipation?  Consider getting to the root cause and leave no stone unturned.   I’d love to work with you!  Check out my packages and schedule a time for a Free chat.

Your future health awaits…