Florida doctor shares how eating sweet potatoes can help relieve constipation and improve gut health

Eating sweet potatoes after they cool down can help ease constipation and support a healthy gut by creating a special type of starch. Florida-based gastroenterologist Dr Joseph Salhab shared this tip in an Instagram video posted on September 27.

Gut Benefits

When sweet potatoes cool, some of their starch turns into resistant starch. This starch travels further down into the gut, where good bacteria feed on it, which adds bulk to stool and supports regular bowel movements. Sweet potatoes also contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. These fibres help soften stool, add bulk, and keep the digestive system moving smoothly.

Natural Compounds

These root vegetables naturally contain mannitol, a sugar alcohol that pulls water into the intestines. This process helps soften stool and stimulates a bowel movement to provide relief from constipation.

Context

Dietary fibre and resistant starch are well-known tools for supporting healthy digestion and feeding beneficial gut microbes. Medical experts often recommend incorporating natural, whole-food sources of fibre rather than relying solely on supplements for everyday gut health.