1 Kiwi, 2 Kiwi, 3 Kiwi - Phloe

When you were first diagnosed with your gastrointestinal issue, you were told, “kiwi fruit is an awesome source of fibre, and you should aim to eat 2 a day”. If, like me, you went; “No problem! I love kiwi fruit!” You probably found after the first 2 weeks or so, you felt like you were beginning to look and feel like a kiwi.

The humble kiwifruit has not always been called such, native to China, yes you read that right, and is actually a gooseberry! Now as typical in the Western world, we originally called it the Chinese Gooseberry when it reached our shores, but New Zealand growers decided to rename it as the ‘kiwifruit’ for marketing and export purposes; and the name stuck!

Looking at a kiwifruit more closely you can make a few assumptions as to why it may be good for constipation and colonic transit. Firstly; when you cut into a kiwi, there is liquid - this would indicate a high water content! For faeces to travel, and not bind in your intestines we need adequate hydration, the kiwi may/would assist in this process. Secondly; it is believed this water content holds a lot of fibre, even better! Thirdly; if you’re following a fodmap diet, you’re in luck, kiwi is fodmap friendly!  You can read more about these facts on this blog post by Dr Jane Varney - Research Dietician https://www.monashfodmap.com/blog/two-kiwi-fruit-day-keep-constipation-bay/

But back to eating 2 kiwi a day, and let's not forget, it’s 4 weeks before there is a concrete result if it works or not! Well, I went back to my gastroenterologist disheartened, I couldn’t keep up, my mouth was sore, so much acidity, I never wanted to see a kiwifruit ever again. “Never fear” she said, alright she didn’t, but she may as well have, “the Kiwi’s (New Zealanders) have come up with a brilliant product named Phloe!” 

“Phloe?” I thought, through further research I found that it is a kiwifruit extract that contains an enzyme of kiwifruit that may help maintain bowel health. According to https://phloe.co.nz/ it is a triple action formula of fibre, prebiotic and enzymes that allow for Phloe to replace your 2 kiwifruit a day. Brilliant right?!

I don’t write this as an affiliate or an ad, I write this as someone who has been using the product for 2.5 years - when I am not on this product I see a difference. I am simply here offering you an alternative to 2 kiwifruit a day. Of course talk to your Primary Doctor about this, I am not your health professional and do not know your background, decide if it is right for you, and maybe give it a go!

Do you have tricks up your sleeve to help with your 2 kiwifruit a day habit? How do you keep your fibre intake regular as someone with gastrointestinal disorder?