Konjac is a root vegetable native to East and Southeast Asia. The root is used to make noodles and snacks full of soluble dietary fiber. It is known to help bowel movements, lower cholesterol and improve carbohydrate metabolism.

Konjac fiber is known as glucomannan. A 2008 study found adding glucomannan to the diet can help prevent constipation and can increase bowel movement by 30%! In addition, it increases the amount of good bacteria in the feces.

In addition to improving bowel movements and your microbiome, Konjac is also known to assist weight loss, lower cholesterol, and improve your skin health.

It is sometimes sold as shirataki noodles. I use konjac in place of pasta and rice as recommended in my book on digestion. I have found it very beneficial to help clients get bowel movements. I recommend it as a food, not as a supplement. It has little or no taste and is super easy to use in place of binding foods. I generally use a much smaller amount than I would use if it was rice or pasta as it is very filling.

There are several brands available on the market and it is now relatively easy to find in the grocery store or if all else fails, amazon.

I frequently make a vegetable curry and have it with konjac rice. If you have a constipated, picky eater of a child you could make “spaghetti” using konjac fiber to help get their bowel moving. You could also blend up some of the noodles into a smoothie. Play around and find the ways that work best for you and/or your family.