Foods that help constipation…
In fact, for an unfortunate four million Americans, constipation is a chronic problem, and of course, if you’re one of the four million, you’re probably less concerned with what made you constipated than with how to make things work. move again. So, let’s discuss foods that help constipation.
Make friends with fiber. Start your road to recovery with a high-fiber diet every day, such as fresh fruit, raw leafy greens, whole grain oats, and brown rice. Also, eat whole grains, sweet potatoes, peas, okra, kale, garlic, carrots, cabbage, beans, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus. The most common cause of constipation is a low fiber diet. Foods that contain high amounts of soluble fiber include adzuki beans, barley, dried beans, oats, apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, figs, grapes, peaches, and prunes. Foods that contain high amounts of insoluble fiber include cereals, seeds, wheat bran, whole grains, and the skins of many vegetables and fruits. Both soluble and insoluble fiber help prevent the formation of hard, dry stools. Most, if not all, experts recommend high-fiber foods as constipation aids.
Combine the fiber with the water. Whether you’re thirsty or not, drink at least eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water every day. The reason fiber relieves constipation is that it absorbs large amounts of fluid, adding bulk to your stool and making it softer and easier to pass.
Try lubricating the pipes. Healthy oils like olive, canola, and other monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils act as digestive lubricants and can help get things moving again. Try topping off your high-fiber salad with a tablespoon or even two using these suggested oils.
Don’t forget about the old standbys. Figs and plums are still considered the best natural laxatives.
When foods that help constipation are not enough
Usually, a high fiber diet accompanied by plenty of water is enough to get things going again. But if not, there are other natural constipation aids such as alternative remedies that can help fight constipation.
Let’s take a look beyond the foods that help constipation and seek relief in the realm of herbs.
Move it with Aloe. Aloe vera latex is highly prized for its powerful natural laxative properties. In fact, because latex is such a powerful laxative, it is generally not used alone but rather in combination with milder herbs. Actually, aloe latex is in the category of a stimulant laxative.
Not just a garden herb. Dandelion root has been regarded as a mild and effective laxative for centuries. Dandelion increases the flow of bile to the large intestine, making this herb valuable for constipation.
Fall in love with the passion flower. Passionflower (passiflora) is one of nature’s best tranquilizers. Often used to treat anxiety and stress, passion flower helps relax and relieve muscle tension. In fact, high levels of tension, anxiety, and stress are often involved in chronic constipation sufferers, as well as other digestive complaints.
Another natural constipation aid from the herbal kingdom: cascara, senna, flax, psyllium seed and milk thistle.
But wait, we have discussed foods that help constipation as well as natural herbal help for constipation. However, we haven’t discussed the foods to avoid, so without further ado, let’s talk about them now.
Stay away or limit the troublemakers. Foods that can cause constipation and should be
High-fat diets, including fried foods, are avoided. In addition, dairy products, salt, coffee, alcohol, sugar, soft drinks and meat provide the body with little or no fiber and are difficult to digest.
