Diet Plan For Constipated Person
The most effective way to treat constipation is by following diet for constipation. This is usually a high fiber diet. Normal stool patterns are different for different people, but if you have not been able to pass stools for several days and have been experiencing pain and discomfort, it means you have constipation. Normal stools should not be painful and should definitely not be difficult to pass.
While there are medical treatments available for constipation, most doctors recommend consuming a healthy diet, rich in foods to combat constipation. Some of the best foods for constipation include raw fruits and vegetables that are high in both soluble and insoluble fibers.
Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the food so that stools are relatively easier to pass. Usually the harder a vegetable is, the more fiber it tends to have. Green leafy vegetables have the most roughage and are very healthy. In addition to considering the foods that you consume, also consider the amount of fluids you consume throughout the day. Drink plenty of water and other beverages such as juices. This will help soften the stools so that they are easier to pass through the intestines.
Foods To Eat- Coconut: It is considered an excellent remedy for constipation. Coconut milk and coconut water are also considered great foods to eat when constipated. Adding butter to your diet may also help soften the stools but avoid consuming too much of fats as that can only worsen the condition. Avoid refined foods when constipated.
- Cottage Cheese: It can also be used as a natural stool softener, but avoid any other milk and dairy products as these can cause other digestion problems.
Diet Chart
When you have constipation, a healthy diet can help you treat it effectively. You can consult a doctor or a dietician for a customized diet plan for someone who’s constipated. Diet plans are usually based on the age of the constipated person and their individual needs. For instance, a constipation meal plan for babies will be different from that of pregnant women or adult males. Here’s a sample diet plan for constipation:
- Breakfast: Start the day with a bowl of fruits or salads. You can also have a sandwich with salads in them. A corn and spinach sandwich with cream cheese is ideal for a healthy and fibrous breakfast. Have a pineapple or an apple along with some orange juice. You can also choose to consume a bowl of high fiber cereal instead of the sandwich.
- Mid-day Meal: Have a glass of prune juice along with an orange or any other fibrous fruit. Prune juice can soften your stools and help relieve constipation. The fibers from the fruits add bulk to your stools and allow your body to excrete them easily.
- Lunch: Whole grain breads with mashed potatoes, a chicken breast and a bowl of salad and vegetables makes for a healthy and fiber rich meal. Include a portion of cottage cheese. You can also have a turkey sandwich with whole wheat bread and cottage cheese with a bowl of salad.
- Dinner: Have a large bowl of tossed salad with lots of lettuce, croutons, apples, prunes, carrots, peas and beans. You can also add celery or asparagus in the mix as that can help add to the fiber content of the salad. You can have a slice of whole grain or multi-grain bread along with your salad. Avoid gravies.
Recipe: Prune juice is an ideal home remedy for constipation as it acts as a natural stool softener. Here is a simple and delectable recipe for constipation with prunes and apple juice. What you need: - 1 bowl prunes, pitted
- Half a pint apple juice
- 3 tbsp. natural yogurt
- A pinch of sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon
Method:
- Soak the prunes in the apple juice and leave them overnight.
- In the morning, pour the entire mixture in a blender and blend until soft.
- To this, add the yogurt and the sugar.
- Blend again until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour into a glass, add some ice if you want and top it up with a hint of cinnamon.
References: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002460.htm
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/
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