Food For Constipation
The Best and Worst Food for Constipation
Many health problems - like constipation - are caused by the food we eat, and there is both good and bad food for constipation. Regular removal of bodily waste is required if a person is to maintain optimum health. Anyone who has trouble with constipation – even if it is only once in awhile – should make a concerted effort to eat more of the good food for constipation and stay away from the bad (at least most of the time).
Causes of constipation
Constipation is a fairly common problem, affecting Americans of all ages, shapes and sizes at some time or another. This issue is almost always caused by one of two things: either not drinking enough water or not maintaining sufficient fiber levels. The Food and Drug Administration recommends eating at least 2.5 grams of fiber every day. And the magic number for water consumption is 6 to 8 glasses per day. That may seem like a lot, but minor changes to the diet can easily make room for more fiber and water.
Both fiber and water are vital to the digestive process, and healthy digestion is important to good health. When either water or fiber is not kept up to par, the condition of the body can deteriorate and suffer consequences. The health problems caused by constipation can vary greatly, and they are generally not serious unless it goes on for an extended period of time. The worst thing about living with constipation is that it can be extremely uncomfortable, especially when it goes on for more than a few days. The longer the body hold onto the toxins contained in waste, the worse it can make you feel.
Treating constipation
There are two easy ways to treat bouts of constipation: drink more water and eat more fiber. Increasing water intake is obvious. Just make an effort to drink at least 6 glasses – but preferably 8 glasses of water every day. Boosting the fiber intake is not quite so simple, but it is not difficult either. The best and easiest way to increase daily fiber is by eating more fruits and vegetables. Both of these food groups are excellent sources of fiber, and even adding just a couple servings a day can make a gigantic difference for anyone with constipation issues.
Fruit should be eaten fresh, raw and without any additives or syrup for the best health benefits. Eating an apple a day – in its pure and natural state – will do wonders. As for the veggies, at least one or two servings per day should be the bare minimum. These are also best eaten in their most natural state, without any additives and raw.
It is important to increase both water and fiber when treating constipation. While the increased fiber is needed by the digestive system, more water is needed to help the fiber do its job.
Good food for constipation
This is the good food list. These items should be consumed on a daily basis to improve the diet and eliminate problems with constipation.
Best fruits: apples, figs, peaches, raspberries, tangerines.
Best veggies: acorn squash, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, zucchini.
Beans are also full of fiber, as is anything made with whole grain or bran, like cereal, oatmeal and some breads.
Bad food for constipation
Processed foods are horrible for the digestive system. So are foods that are high in fat. Basically, these are all of your junk foods, like pizza, chips and snacks. Eating too much dairy can also cause constipation, so keep it balanced and keep it healthy.