Constipation is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by irregular bowel movements with overly hard and dry stools, sometimes accompanied with blood, indisposition and serious pain. If you are having bowel movements less frequently than your regular habit or perhaps you are having abdominal pain especially when you feel the urge, then you might be suffering from constipation.
The good thing is, there are certain ways to avoid suffering from constipation. A change in your current lifestyle, drinking enough water, having a well balanced fiber-rich diet and enough rest are some of the measures you take to avoid constipation. Additionally, it is recommended that you avoid eating constipating foods. Listed below are some of the constipating foods that you should keep away from.
Dairy Products
Dairy products are the products derived from cow’s milk. They are generally considered as constipating foods because they are rich in fats and sugar, but contain hardly any fiber. Any food containing lots of fats with low fiber content is considered constipating. Dairy products include milk, ice cream, shakes, candies and all kinds of cheese. Yogurt, on the other hand, is an exemption to the rule.
Caffeine
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks like sodas, soft drinks and black tea should be avoided also. Caffeine is said to be dehydrating and too much consumption of caffeinated beverages may lead to insufficiency of essential fluids in the digestive system, thus resulting in constipation.
White Bread
When you are planning to avoid constipation, you must be ready also to eliminate white bread and other processed breads in your diet. Processed breads in general contain a minimal amount of fiber and eradicating them in your diet is a good idea. Use unrefined breads instead of refined or processed breads.
Chocolate
Among the constipating foods that you need to get rid of, chocolate is the most frequently noted in causing constipation. Chocolate contains very low fiber and rich in sugar. It is also a highly processed “food”. Foods with these characteristics tend to exacerbate constipation. A study showed that chocolate triggered constipation more than any other food.
Bananas
Next to chocolate and white bread, bananas are said to be one of the most common constipating foods. A study has showed that among the 1000 patients being surveyed, about 300 respondents said that their constipation is due to too much consumption of bananas. However, the effect of eating bananas may vary from person to person. Those with low energy levels may tend to have constipation, while those with higher energy levels may find that bananas are good for constipation due to the fruit’s fiber-rich pectin content.
