Foods that Constipate and Natural Constipation Solutions

Yes, there are foods that constipate. But there are also natural constipation solutions, including foods that can provide natural constipation relief.

Foods that constipate are usually SAD foods. "Sad about what?" SAD is short for the Standard American Diet – high in sugar, unhealthy fats and refined foods. A SAD diet and constipation go hand in hand.

Straining to pass dry, hard stools is no laughing matter. And foods that constipate also lead to other serious health problems. Even occasional constipation can cause hemorrhoids, gas and bad breath.
 
But fortunately, there are four simple lifestyle natural constipation solutions that can help you to stop constipation problems forever. They are:

1. Increase your water.
2. Eat more high fiber foods.
3. Increase your physical activity.
4. And avoid the foods that constipate.
   

Foods that Constipate 



Low fiber foods, foods high in saturated fats and processed foods that have had the fiber and nutrients removed are the main foods that constipate. Here's a list of foods shown to cause constipation problems:

• Deep-fried foods, chips and foods high in saturated fats,
• Dairy Products, such as cheese, ice cream and whole milk,
• Meats, especially fatty meats, red meat and processed meats,
• Refined grains, like white rice or any refined white flour products,
• Highly starchy foods – white potatoes, corn and any refined grains,
• Fast Foods – burgers, pizza, French fries and most other fried foods,
• Refined, high sugar products, like cakes, cookies, pies and all pastries.
  

Besides these, some people find they're allergic or sensitive to certain foods, such as wheat, gluten or even bananas.

And the list of constipation causing medications is very long and often overlooked. They include prescriptions for depression, high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease and even laxatives, when used frequently.  



Natural Constipation Solutions



Since diet and constipation go hand in hand, by switching to these healthy foods you can have a huge impact in solving constipation problems.

• Fruits and vegetables – Most fresh fruits and vegetables are high fiber foods that help relieve constipation Those especially high in fiber are apples with skin, apricots, blackberries, peaches, prunes, raspberries, cabbage, raw carrots, beets, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.


• Beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds – Because of their high fiber content, these natural foods also help stop constipation. Try kidney and lima beans, oatmeal, sprouted whole grain breads and cereals, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, sesame and sunflower seeds.


• Water – Getting enough healthy fluids is essential for relieving constipation. When you increase fiber intake, it's even more important to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.


• Yogurt – The beneficial organisms in yogurt help you properly digest the food you eat and protect you from colon and bowel diseases. Unlike cheese and milk, low-fat yogurt doesn't constipate. And it provides the calcium you need to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

• Fiber supplements – Psyllium husks, fruit and vegetable fiber and oat, rice and wheat bran soak up huge quantities of liquid. And when combined with plenty of water, fiber supplements help you to have softer, bulkier, easier to pass stools. It's a great way to make sure you get all the fiber you need to prevent and relieve constipation.

You can start today replacing the foods that constipate with the super healthy foods above. These are simple natural constipation solutions!

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Posted in: Health Conditions, Diet & Nutrition
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