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Diet Tips For Constipation

Can you suggest some diet tips for freedom from constipation?
(July 28, 2011)

What fruits are good for constipation?


Increasing the intake of fruits for constipation is the best and most natural way to eliminate this problem. Apricots, papayas, prunes, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, apples, oranges, figs, pears and avocados are some of the most effective high fiber fruits for constipation problems. Papayas are not only rich in vitamins and minerals but they contain a vital enzyme papain which helps in eliminating intestinal and colon mucus thereby providing relief from constipation.

Apricots on the other hand are rich in vitamin A, C and fibers and act as natural laxatives to cure constipation. It is also one of the best dried fruits for constipation. Mangoes are very rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals which aid in regulating bowel movement and hence treating constipation.


Plums and prunes are also very effective in cleaning the intestines and colon. Prunes which are basically dried plums are better laxatives as compared to fresh plums and hence an effective cure for constipation.

Blueberries also have great laxative properties and also provide effective relief from intestinal inflammation. They are also rich in anthocyanosides which are helpful in eliminating certain bacteria and viruses. All these fruits being rich sources of fiber and nutrients make the most natural and effective remedy for constipation problems.
Submitted by N on July 28, 2011 at 04:27

 

What vitamins are good for constipation?


Some of the effective vitamins and minerals for constipation include vitamin C, vitamin B5, folic acid (vitamin B9), magnesium and probiotics. Vitamin C has natural laxative qualities which work really well when taken on an empty stomach. This makes it one of the most natural vitamins for constipation problems. However vitamin C should be taken in the right proportion as excess intake can even cause diarrhea.

Another one of the effective vitamins for constipation is vitamin B5 also known as Pantothenic acid. Vitamin B5 needs to be consumed on an empty stomach in bigger doses in order to relieve constipation. Vitamin B5 is also used in a number of nutritional laxatives along with other nutrients for curing constipation. Similarly folic acid is also very helpful in treating constipation and can be taken as an individual supplement or along with other B-complex vitamins or multivitamins.

Minerals like magnesium help in increasing intestinal motility and therefore help in pushing stools easily through the intestines. Magnesium also helps the colon to absorb more water which in turn helps in softening the stools. Probiotic supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus paracasei taken in addition to food can also help in relieving constipation and promoting better bowel movement.
Submitted by N on July 20, 2011 at 04:25

 

Are bananas and mangoes good for constipation?


Bananas can cure as well as cause constipation but this all depends on the type of bananas you eat. While using bananas for constipation it is always recommended to use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas help in alleviating the condition as they are rich in potassium and fiber. Fiber being highly soluble, aids in pushing the bowel movement through the intestines. The body also absorbs fiber easily and therefore ripe bananas are an effective remedy for constipation.

On the other hand while using bananas for diarrhea it is always advisable to use only unripe bananas. Unripe bananas are rich in starch and take longer to get digested. Eating bananas while suffering from diarrhea can help replace electrolytes which have been flushed out of the body due to the loose stools. Therefore eating unripe bananas is a good cure for diarrhea.
    
It is also a good remedy to use mangoes for constipation problems. Mangoes not only contain good fiber but they also contain natural enzymes which are very helpful in cleaning the stomach and the intestines. Mangoes act like natural bowel stimulators and should be eaten twice a day while suffering from constipation; every morning immediately after brushing and one after dinner.
Submitted by N on July 15, 2011 at 04:23

 

Does apple juice help constipation?


Regular intake of apple juice for constipation is the best cure for this condition. In the case of mild constipation apple juice can be combined with pear juice in equal quantities and consumed twice a day, first thing in the morning and an hour before bedtime. This juice combination supplies the body with fiber, minerals, vitamins and other chemicals which help in cleaning the colon and kidneys.

Prune juice and apple juice for constipation is generally recommended in chronic cases of constipation. 3-4 glasses of prune and apple juice combined should be had everyday for curing constipation. People suffering from constipation should increase their daily intake of apple and prune juice in order to get effective relief from this condition. Apple juice is also very effective for treating constipation problems in infants.

Many people also take warm apple juice for diarrhea as apples have bowel tightening qualities and can help in controlling loose stools. Eating a whole apple along with the skin is also a good cure for diarrhea. However in many cases apple juice may even worsen the diarrhea because of its high sorbitol sugar content. Therefore it is always best to try smaller quantities to see how your body reacts to apple juice.
Submitted by N on July 8, 2011 at 04:20

 
Constipation is a condition, accompanied by hard and dry stools, with pain in the defecation process. The stools are infrequent and are highly painful. Chronic constipation results in bleeding during the passage of stools. Sedentary activity, improper defecation technique, poor dietary regimen and lack of exercise are certain contributing factors for constipation. Treatment, immediately after diagnosis is necessary to prevents further complications.
  1. Increase the fiber in the diet. About 30 grams of fiber is vital for the effective functioning of the digestive system. Animal foods contain negligible amounts of fiber.
  2. A vegetarian diet includes abundant amount of fiber, in the form of fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes. A list of vegetables, which contribute to high levels of fiber are cucumber, radish, turnip, beans, cabbage, ladies finger, broccoli, green leaves, sprouts, asparagus, carrot, cauliflower, peas, and pepper. Grapes, kiwi, guava, avocado, pear, apricot, date, mango, fig, peach, apple, plum, papaya, pomegranate and jamun are fiber rich fruits.
  3. Legumes such as black beans, split peas, black eyed peas, kidney beans and all pulses are good sources of fiber. Fiber is also seen to occur in nuts such as almonds, sesame seeds, coconut, peanuts and chestnuts. Refined foods are depleted of fiber, through the process of dehusking and milling. Some of the refined foods, devoid of fiber are white bread, baked foods like cakes, refined flour and pasta. Sifting of flour eliminates the bran, which in turn decreases the fiber content.
  4. Fluid is yet another important factor of concern. Increase the intake of fluids to tone the colon muscles, thereby easing the process of defecation. Liquids in the form of water, barley water, soups, beverages, coconut water and fresh juices help. About six to eight glasses of water proves beneficial.
  5. High fiber intake, with lesser amount of fluids results in various complications. There should be a parallel increase in the liquid and fiber intake. Lack of activity is a common cause of constipation.
  6. Many professions demand continuous sitting for hours together, which in turn aggravates the condition, in conjunction with junk foods. Light exercises in the form of periodical walking are useful. A cup of hot tea or a brisk walk stimulates the peristaltic action, thereby facilitating easy bowels.
  7. Visit the toilet at the same time everyday.
  8. Leg raising exercises tones the abdominal muscles and enhances the colonic propulsion.
  9. Eat a balanced diet at regular intervals. Stick to the timings on a daily basis.
  10. Avoid alcohol, smoking and intake of junk foods such as burgers, chips, carbonated beverages, French fries and so on.
Submitted by S M on March 13, 2009 at 07:19

 
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