Foods that help constipation…

Indeed, for some four millions unlucky Americans, constipation is a chronic problem and of course if you happen to be one of the four million you’re probably less concerned about what has made you constipated than about how to get things moving again. Therefore, let’s discuss foods that help constipation.

Befriend fiber. Begin your road to recovery by eating a high-fiber diet daily such as fresh fruits, raw green leafy vegetables whole-grain oatmeal, and brown rice. In addition, eat whole grains, sweet potatoes, peas, okra, kale, garlic, carrots, cabbage, beans, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus. The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber. Foods that contain high amounts of soluble fiber include adzuki beans, barley, dried beans, oats, apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, cranberries, figs, grapes, peaches, and prunes. Foods that contain high amounts of insoluble fiber include cereals, seeds, wheat bran, whole grains, and the skins of many vegetables as well as fruits. Both soluble and insoluble fiber helps prevent the formation of hard, dry stools. Most, if not all, experts recommend high-fiber foods as the foods that help constipation.

Pair fiber with water. Whether you are thirsty or not, drink at least eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water every day. The reason why fiber relieves constipation is that it absorbs large amounts of fluids, adding bulk to the stool and making it softer and easier to pass.

Try lubricating the pipes. Healthy oils like olive or canola and other monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils act as digestive lubricants and may help get things rolling again. Try topping off your high-fiber salad with a tablespoon or even two using these suggested oils.

Don’t forget the old standbys. Figs and prunes are still considered the best natural laxatives.

When Foods That Help Constipation Isn’t Enough

Usually, a high-fiber diet accompanied by lots of water is enough to get things moving again. But if not, there are other natural help for constipation such as alternative remedies that can help beat constipation.

Let’s take a look beyond foods that help constipation and turn to the herbal kingdom for relief.

Move it with Aloe. Aloe vera latex is highly valued for its potent natural laxative properties. In fact, because the latex is such a potent laxative, it is not usually used alone but combined with gentler herbs. Actually, aloe latex is in the category of a stimulate laxative.

Not just a backyard weed. Dandelion root for centuries has been regarded as an effective, gentle laxative. Dandelion increases bile flow into the large intestine, making this herb valuable for constipation.

Get passionate with passionflower. Passionflower (passiflora) is one nature’s best tranquilizers. Often used to treat anxiety and stress, passion flower helps to relax and to relieve muscle tension. Indeed, high tension levels, anxiety and stress are often implicated in chronic constipation sufferers as well as other digestive complaints.

Other natural help for constipation from the herbal kingdom: cascara sagrada, senna, flax, psyllium seed, and milk thistle.

But wait, we’ve discussed foods that help constipation as well as herbal natural help for constipation. However, we have not discussed foods to avoid, so without further adieu, let’s discuss them now.

Stay away or limit the troublemakers. Foods that can cause constipation and should be

avoided are diets high in fat, including fried foods. In addition, dairy products, salt, coffee, alcohol, sugar, soft drinks, and meat offer the body little or no fiber and are difficult to digest.