Doctors Warn of Constipation After Cyclospora Outbreak Prompted Produce Avoidance

Doctors are reporting an increase in constipation cases linked to dietary changes made during the recent Cyclospora outbreak. The parasite, which caused widespread diarrheal illness across 20 states this summer, prompted many consumers to eliminate salads, fruits, and other high-fiber foods from their meals.

"When you go from eating salads and fruit regularly to cutting it out completely, your fiber intake takes a significant hit and this can impact your bowel movements," said Dr. Rabia de Latour, a gastroenterologist. She explained that fiber, combined with adequate hydration, provides bulk and softness to stool, and its absence can result in harder, difficult-to-pass stools that may resemble "rabbit pellets" in severe cases.

The outbreak was traced to contaminated iceberg lettuce supplied by a Mexican farm, leading to recalls and heightened consumer anxiety about fresh produce. Because Cyclospora is resistant to typical disinfectants and can survive freezing or bleach, early public health guidance advised people to avoid raw fruits and vegetables until the source was removed.

Dr. de Latour noted that the recalled lettuce is no longer on shelves, and new infections are expected to decline. However, she said many Americans remain hesitant to purchase certain produce items. She recommends gradually reintroducing fiber-rich foods such as spinach or whole heads of iceberg lettuce from reliable sources, and washing them thoroughly. If constipation persists, an osmotic laxative may be considered.

"Food moves through our entire gastrointestinal tract to be broken down, digested, absorbed and waste byproduct produced, taking anywhere from 24 to 72 hours total," Dr. de Latour added, emphasizing that dietary adjustments can show effects within that timeframe.