If you experience constipation on occasion, it is a good idea to take a look at what you have been consuming. Certain foods can make constipation worse, but others can bring relief. The highly skilled doctors at Piedmont Colorectal are passionate about helping you achieve an optimal quality of life. Learn more about how you can improve your diet.
About Constipation
Constipation, the condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements, can be the result of several factors, including a lack of adequate physical activity, being overweight, or other medical issues like irritable bowel syndrome. When constipation occurs occasionally, as opposed to chronically, your diet often plays an essential role. If you are constipated, avoid foods that exacerbate this condition, such as those that are high in fat. This includes fried foods, which are often covered in oils and butters, highly processed meats, and baked goods.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Constipation relief starts with consuming foods with enough fiber. Fiber supports the digestive tract and encourages gut motility — the muscle contractions that transport food during the digestive process. There are two primary types of fiber:
Insoluble fiber: This includes apple skins and seeds, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits.
Soluble fiber: Foods with soluble fiber include oats, bananas, steamed vegetables, and whole grains.
Many foods that provide constipation relief contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, such as apples.
Should I Follow a Certain Diet?
There are many popular mainstream diets that boast gut healing and digestive health benefits. This includes the ketogenic diet, which is well-known to be high in fat, as well as the BRAT diet. BRAT is an acronym for four foods that can improve colorectal health: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. While this diet can help with constipation, it is also used to relieve diarrhea. Additionally, diets revolve entirely around consuming the juices of certain foods that carry a reputation for instant constipation relief, such as prunes. It is true that prune juice has been shown to improve regularity when consumed routinely, but it should be part of a balanced, healthy diet.
Before starting these or any other diets to improve your digestive system, speak to an expert, such as the doctors available at Piedmont Colorectal.
Laxatives for Relief
Laxatives come in many different types, often with ingredients that add bulk to stool to make trips to the bathroom more comfortable However, some laxatives contain harsh ingredients that can irritate the stomach, and lead to painful digestive issues, such as severe abdominal cramping. For issues with constipation, it is best to seek the advice of a professional, who can evaluate your unique circumstances and recommend appropriate treatment.
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