Food is one of the major reasons of constipation. It can make your normal day feel like a nightmare. Try to look at your eating habits instead of reaching for laxatives. The reason might just be on your plate.
Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. The stool is often dry or hard. Other symptoms of this may include bloating, abdominal pain and feeling as if one has not completely passed the bowel movement. In a week, you can have less than three bowel movements topped off with discomfort and pain.
Some of the various everyday things that can cause constipation are as follows:
- Eating too much fiber too fast
- Not drinking enough water
- Ignoring the urge to go
- Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
Everyone’s fiber “threshold” is not alike. Your body might react to different foods in different ways. Consuming low or high fiber diets might both cause you constipation.
Here is the list of common offenders that causes constipation:
Processed Foods
Processed foods have high salt and sugar content, but little to no fiber. As much as possible, eat whole foods. Avoid fast foods, frozen dinners, and boxed meals.
Unripe bananas
Though bananas are delicious sources of energy and fiber, unripe banana is a gateway to constipation. It has complex starches that are harder to digest.
Just wait for the bananas to ripen as this process will naturally break down starches, helping things move along. Ripe bananas also have more antioxidants and protein.
Ice Cream
This is another dairy food that brings on constipation. Consumption of this will only give your body lots of sugar and no fiber.
Instead of this, try making a banana ice cream. You can blend frozen banana slices added with other fruits, cocoa powder or coconut flakes for sweetness.
Cheese
Eating too much cheese will just worsen constipation. If you crave for cheese, switch to eating pureed avocado or cashew “cheese” as they offer both creaminess and fiber.
Coffee
Coffee is actually a diuretic. The risk of constipation increases as you lose fluids.
Opt for better low-caffeine beverages like tea. If you really need some energy you can try those caffeine-free sources like ginger, nuts, and bananas.
Beans
Beans are considered to be an amazing source of fiber. Yet, for some, eating a lot of this can cause constipation.
Red Meat
In addition to weight gain and heart diseases, red meat also causes constipation. Its high fat and low fiber content won’t sit well with your stomach. Consume poultry and fish, sweet potatoes or quinoa instead.
