Top Choices in Food for Constipation

0 Comments | Rating: 0 | |

Constipation is a common complaint for people of all ages and different backgrounds. Women, children and the elderly are some are the most susceptible. Constipation remedies are plenty. For less than extreme cases, the condition can be treated with consuming certain types of food for constipation or minor changes in the person's lifestyle. The most recommended types of food used to treat the condition are those which are high in fiber such as green, leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts and legumes and whole grains.

There are plenty of constipation remedies that you can purchase over-the-counter at your local drugstore or there are solutions which can be provided by your doctor on prescription. But these solutions are only going to work for you in the short term. If you are having a stressful time at the moment and your constipation is caused by this stress then a simple body cleanse will more than likely suffice to curb the problem. But if you're experiencing constipation that has been going on for a long time then you will need to change something radically in your life, and the most likely thing that needs to be changed is your diet

There are several symptoms commonly associated with constipation. The Rome III criterion states that if at least two of the following symptoms are experienced for a period of at least three months within the last six months of being diagnosed, then the individual is suffering from constipation. This includes having hard stools and experiencing pain at least a quarter of the time. There is also the feeling of not having completed the procedure. One sure sign of having constipation is having less than three bowel movements every week.

The previously mentioned symptoms are common for what is known as functional constipation. It is a type of constipation defined without an underlying cause. The other is secondary constipation, distinguished by a cause which may include a lack of fiber in the diet, certain medical conditions and types of medication.

For individuals who suffer from the secondary form of constipation, there are numerous ways of treatment. Possible treatment options include increase intake of certain foods and avoiding others, taking supplements and medication as well as exercise.

According to a study performed in the 1970s, it was discovered that the amount of fiber in the body affects whether a person experiences constipation. With a study was performed with natives in Africa, results showed that a gram of wheat fiber consumed produced 2.7 grams worth of stool excreted.

There are certain types of food which are good when suffering constipation. The best food for constipation includes fruits such as figs and dates, bananas, prunes, pineapple, pears and grapes. With legumes and vegetables, there are asparagus, carrots, peas, beans, broccoli and carrots. Foods containing whole grains are also helpful, including barley, millet, brown rice and whole wheat. Also available at the local grocery store include flaxseeds, rich in fiber and omega 3 fatty acids as well as vitamins and minerals. As with any diet, it is important to balance nutrients from different types of food to remain healthy.