Elderly people often experience constipation, with infrequent, irregular bowel movements that are difficult to pass.

Laxatives are often used to relieve constipation in the elderly.

However, while they’re effective, they’re also associated with weight loss and reduced quality of life.

Studies indicate that oat bran, the fiber-rich outer layer of the grain, may help relieve constipation in older people.

One trial found that well-being improved for 30 elderly patients who consumed a soup or dessert containing oat bran daily for 12 weeks.

What’s more, 59% of those patients were able to stop using laxatives after the 3-month study, while overall laxative use increased by 8% in the control group.

Studies indicate that oat bran can help reduce constipation in elderly individuals, significantly reducing the need to use laxatives.