Foods to Eat When You Are Constipated

Foods to Eat When You Are Constipated:

When you are experiencing constipation, you certainly want to eat foods that will get your system moving. The key element in foods that are best for constipation is fiber, and you will find that in foods that come from plants.

Best Foods to Eat When Constipated:

Use this quick pick list of high-fiber foods, and then explore more in-depth about why these foods will help your constipation. You will also find precautions for those who may be sensitive to some of the foods on the list.

Fruit: Berries, peaches, apricots, plums, raisins, rhubarb, and prunes are some of the best high-fiber fruits.

For a fiber boost, eat the peel as well.

Whole Grains:Steer away from white flour and white rice and enjoy whole grains insteadwhich provide more fiber.

Whole grains include oats, brown rice, whole wheat, quinoa, barley, and rye.

Vegetables:Whether you're eating the leaves, stalks, or roots, you'll get fiber from vegetables, including what is in potato skins.

Nuts:Walnuts and almonds will also add fiber to your diet.

Seeds:Several kinds of seeds are excellent sources of fiber.

You can add them to your smoothies or sprinkle them on yogurt or salads.

Chia, ground flaxseeds, and psyllium are some of the most touted.

Beans and Legumes (with caution): Legumes such as chickpeas, soybeans, lentils, navy beans and kidney beans are good sources of fiber.

However, they have a well-earned reputation for being gassy.

If you have irritable bowel sybdrome beans and legumes are on the list of high FODMAP foods that may exacerbate IBS symptoms.

Hot Tea: An herbal tea made with anise or fennel might be a soothing way to ease your constipation.

Why Fiber Helps When You Have Constipation:

The best thing you can do to ease constipation is to slowly increase your intake of dietary fiber. Fiber is the part of plant material that you cannot digest.

Fiber is helpful for constipation because it serves to both add bulk and softness to the stool.

Soluble fiber absorbs water and binds with fatty acids, forming a gel-like substance that keeps stools soft.Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, thus providing bulk and moisture to the stool.Both types of fiber are good for constipation.

Since both types are found in all plant foods, it is not necessary to try to remember which foods are a good source of which type of fiber.

However, too much fiber too soon can be hard on your system and may add to symptoms of gas and bloating. Therefore, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables slowly.

For treating constipation, it is recommended that you increase your fiber intake to 20 to 25 grams per day.

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) you may find that your system is better able to handle food with soluble fiber, as insoluble fiber may trigger your symptoms.

FODMAPs and Gassy Foods:

If you have IBS, you may want to avoid foods that are high in short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs), even if they are good for other people who have constipation.

FODMAPs are carbohydrates found in ordinary foods that have been found to exacerbate IBS symptoms.

Although eating more fruits and vegetables can help to ease your constipation, some of them have a gassy reputation. It may be a good idea to choose foods that are less likely to give you gas until your system is working more readily. Once your acute constipation has passed, you can widen your choice of produce.

Best Fruits for Constipation:

Fruits are a great option for easing constipation. Most are an excellent source of dietary fiber, along with providing you with a whole host of other nutritional benefits. Although there is no hard science on the matter, you may find that your body responds better to fruit that has been cooked or dried, as opposed to raw.

Here are some fruits that are thought to be helpful in easing constipation.

Fresh fruits:

• Apricots

• Blueberries

• Figs

• Grapes Kiwi

• Papaya

• Peaches

• Pears

• Pineapple

• Plums

• Raspberries

• Strawberries

Dried Options:

• Apricots

• Dates

• Figs

• Prunes

• Raisins

Best Vegetables for Constipation:

Eating lots of vegetables, including green leafy vegetables, is one of the best strategies for keeping your bowels moving regularly.

In addition to getting that healthy dose of fiber, vegetables also provide a whole range of nutrients that are good for your digestive and overall health.

As is the case with fruits, you may find that your body responds in a more comfortable way to cooked rather than raw vegetables.

Enjoy vegetable soup made with a variety of high-fiber vegetables.

The following vegetables are thought to be beneficial for easing constipation.

Eat Your Greens:

• Kale

• Lettuce

• Spinach

• Swiss chard

Fill Your Plate With Vegetables:

• Artichoke hearts

• Asparagus

• Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Cabbage

• Carrots

• Green beans

• Peas

• Red potatoes with skin

• Squash

• Zucchini

Whole Grains and Constipation:

Switching from refined grains such as white flour and white rice to whole grains is thought by many to make a difference in terms of resolving constipation issues. Here are some good whole grain choices.

• Amaranth

• Barley

• Brown rice

• Bulgur

• Oats

• Quinoa

• Rye

• Whole Wheat

Note: If you suffer from chronic constipation, you may want to try an elimination diet of all grains to assess any effect on your symptoms. Check with your doctor first and be sure to load up on fiber from all of the other sources listed in these slides.

Best Teas for Constipation:

One way to ease constipation is to reach for a soothing cup of tea. Hot liquids may help to prompt your system to action.

A tea made with herbs with laxatives effects is ideal.

The two best teas for constipation are:

Anise tea: This licorice-tasting tea is thought to have both laxative and antispasmodic effects.

Fennel tea: Also licorice-tasting, fennel tea is thought to speed up intestinal contractions, as well as act as a laxative and an antispasmodic.

Best Nuts for Constipation:

Nuts are a good source of fiber and omega fatty acids. Here are some good choices to reach for when you are constipated:

• Almonds

• Brazil nuts

• Pecans

• Walnuts

Best Seeds for Constipation:

There are a few different types of seeds that are thought to be particularly helpful in easing constipation.

Chia seeds:These little seeds are a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Sprinkle them on salads or add them to smoothies.

Fennel seeds: Chewing on fennel seeds is thought to help to ease gas and bloating, along with easing constipation.

Flaxseed: These pleasant little nutty-flavored seeds need to be ground to benefit from their fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Can be used in baking or added to smoothies.

Psyllium: There is a lot of research support for the use of psyllium as a way to ease constipation which earns it its designation as a bulk laxative.

Best Snacks for Constipation:

Fruit: Apples and pears are quite portable.

Granola: Make your own granola to reduce added sugar and to ensure that you are adding grains, seeds, and nuts that you can tolerate.

Hummus: This fiber-rich snack is very portable and you can enjoy it with raw vegetable sticks such as carrots or celery.

Nuts: Brazil nuts, pecans, and walnuts are generally well-tolerated by all.

Trail mix: Make your own to ensure that you are eating foods that are suited for you. You can add some nuts, seeds, dark chocolate and dried fruit (if tolerated).

Vegetables: Carrots and celery are classic nibbles.

Drink Plenty of Water

Every cell in your body needs water to function to its best ability.

If you don't drink enough water, your body will compensate by pulling water out of your intestines. This may result in hard stools that contribute to constipation.

Drink water throughout your day. You will know that you are drinking enough if your urine is clear.

Sources:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/foods-to-ease-constipation-4143121?utm_campaign=livinghealthy&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=17491774&utm_term=list_gl_ot_vft-default

https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/fiber-and-constipation.aspx