Diet for Constipation

Constipation is essentially a cause of faulty diet and lifestyle. A change in dietary habits alone will go a long way in reducing the probability of the occurrence of constipation. While alternatives such as purgatives and laxatives provide temporary relief. They unnecessarily irritate the stomach and intestines, weakening the colon. Laxative abuse may also lead to low blood potassium and long term chronic ill health.

Natural Treatment for Constipation:

The natural way to treat constipation is to cleanse the bowels of all impurities and give up all artificial aids.


A regular observance of food intake, food elimination and adequate sleep are the basic foundation to good health and healthy living. A balanced diet coupled with sufficient exercise and a good standard of general health are of immense importance in the treatment of constipation.

One of the most important factors in preventing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of mainly unrefined foods such as:

• Whole grain cereals and bran, honey, molasses, lentils are good for health.
• Green and leafy vegetables especially spinach, french beans, tomatoes, lettuce onions, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, celery, turnip, pumpkin, peas, beets, asparagus and carrots have immense nutritive value.
• Fresh fruits such as pears, grapes, figs, papayas, mangoes, grapefruits, gooseberries, guavas and oranges
• Dry fruits such as figs, raisins, apricots, and dates.
• Milk products such as butter, clarified butter and cream
  

Remedy for Constipation:

Eating Slowly:

Food should be properly chewed - each morsel for at least 15 times.


Hurried meals and meals at odd times should be avoided. Sugar and sugary foods should be strictly avoided because sugar steals vitamin B from the body without which the intestines are unable to function normally.

Avoid Certain foods:

Foods, which lead to the occurrence of constipation include: all products made of white flour, rice, bread, pulses, cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, meat, white sugar and hard-boiled eggs.

Drink Water:

To cleanse the system of all impurities one must resort to drinking lot of water.


Water is beneficial not only for constipation but also for cleaning the system diluting the blood and washing out poisons. Normally six to eight glasses of water should be taken daily, as it is essential for digesting and dissolving food nutrients so that they can be absorbed and utilized by the body. But one must remember that water should not however be taken with meals as it dilutes the gastric juices essential for proper digestion.


Water should be taken either half an hour before or an hour after meals.

Other water therapies include:

• Drinking hot water with sour limejuice and half a teaspoon of salt is considered to be an effective remedy for constipation.
• Drinking water, which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel first thing in the morning, will also bring good results.

Grapes as a therapy:

Grapes have proved highly beneficial in overcoming the occurrence of constipation. The combination of the properties of the cellulose sugar and organic acid in grapes make them a laxative food. Grapes not only cleanse the bowels but they also tone up the stomach and intestines and relieve the most chronic constipation. An intake of at least 350 grams of grapes daily is adequate to achieve the desired results. When fresh grapes are not available raisins soaked in water can be used. Raisins should be soaked in a tumbler full of drinking water for 24 to 48 hours. Osmosis would ensure raisins swell to the original size of the grapes. The raisins should be eaten early in the morning. The water in which raisins are soaked should also be drunk.

Linseed:

It is extremely useful in difficult cases of constipation. A teaspoon of linseed swallowed with water before each meal provides both bulk and lubrication.

Here is a simple and easy procedure to initiate a diet plan that’s good for you:

• Exclusive Fruit Diet:

To start with, go on an exclusive fruit diet for about seven days to begin the diet regime. Incase of long-standing and stubborn constipation it would be advisable to have a short fast for four or five days. This will help cleanse the bowels, eliminate the toxins and purify the blood stream. It is advisable for the delicate and weak patients to consider taking orange juice during the period of fasting.

• Well Balanced Diet:

It is advisable to progress to a balanced diet comprising adequate raw foods, ripe fruits and whole grain cereals. If this regime proves to be beneficial to the system one can begin the diet plan in the same cycle: i.e.: short fasts on fruits followed by a well-balanced meal. This may be necessary at an interval of two months or so depending on the progress being made. The bowels should be cleansed daily through warm water enema for few days at the beginning of the diet.

TREATMENT CHART FOR CONSTIPATION

Here is a simple and easy stepwise guide to combat constipation:

Diet:

Step 1:

An all-fruit diet for five days. Take fresh juicy fruits at five-hourly intervals during the day and use warm water enema to cleanse the bowels.

Step 2:

Progress to a well-balanced diet on the following lines:-

• Start your day with 25 black raisins soaked overnight in water along with water in which they are soaked and water kept overnight in copper vessel.
• Breakfast may comprise of fresh fruit and a glass of milk sweetened with honey.
• The lunch must comprise of a bowl of freshly prepared steamed vegetables, two or three whole-wheat breads and a glass of buttermilk.
• Beat the mid-afternoon hunger or thirst pang with a glass of carrot juice or coconut water.
• Dinner may comprise of a large bowl of fresh green vegetable salad, with lemon juice dressing, bean sprouts, cottage cheese Or a glass of buttermilk. Follow it with a hot course, if desired.Bedtime snack may include a glass of milk or one apple

Step 3:

Always follow the three main rules regarding eating:

• Never eat and drink together.
• Never hurry through a meal
• Never eat to full stomach

Step 4:

Avoid certain foods that can do more harm than good to your system, which include:

• Beverages such as: tea, coffee, sugar.
• White flour and all products made with sugar and white flour
• All refined foods
• Fried foods
• Meat
• Condiments and pickles.

Other Preventive Measures:

• A Brisk walk of 45 minutes daily morning and evening to keep oneself physically fit.
• Yogic asanas
• Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water daily.
• Cold hipbath for 10 minutes daily.

Constipation

Constipation is a very common problem that affects thousands of people of all ages, across the globe. It is not really an illness, but more of a problem that occurs when a person’s bowel movements are delayed and are difficult to pass. Although this problem is not too serious, it can cause a lot of discomfort, to the person who is affected. In some people, constipation could be a one time occurrence, but in others it could be a daily problem. Chronic constipation can lead to many health complications, if it is not checked and controlled in time. However, in order to treat chronic constipation, using medical treatment or even through constipation remedies, it is important to first identify its causes.

Causes of constipation

The stools in the digestive system are propelled by the contractions in the intestinal muscles. Once the stool reaches the colon, which is the large intestine, the salt and the water in the stool get reabsorbed by the body.  If the muscle contractions in the colon are too slow, of if it absorbs too much water then the stool becomes hard and dry, leading to constipation. However, there are many factors that could lead to the slowdown in the intestines, such as:

•   Dehydration or inadequate water consumption
•   Lack of fiber in the diet
•   Habitually ignoring the urge to defecate
•   Irritable bowel syndrome
•   Lack of physical activity
•   Frequent use of laxative 
•   Changes in lifestyle or dietary changes
•   Medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and thyroid.
•   Obstructions in the intestines
•   The use of certain medications like diuretics
•   Hemorrhoids and anal fissures
•   Spinal cord injuries, which can also affect the nerves.

Constipation treatment

While some rare cases of constipation may require medical treatment, most people prefer using simple constipation remedies, to deal with the condition. The first step in constipation treatment is following a healthy diet that is high in fiber. Natural constipation remedies include drinking high amounts of water, i.e., at least 8 to 10 glasses a day. In addition to that, it is important to eliminate foods that cause constipation. Some of the most common constipation foods to avoid include white bread and other foods that are made out of white flour, processed foods, cream cheese and ice cream. Apart from fresh vegetables and fruits, constipation remedies also include:

•  Honey: This ingredient is often used as a natural and milk laxative, if consumed with warm water. Most people drink warm water with a teaspoon of honey, up to three times a day, for maximum benefits. In case of severe constipation which cannot be cured, with pain honey and water, adding a teaspoon or either apple cider vinegar or blackstrap molasses may be recommended.
•  Beans: Legumes as well as dried beans like black beans, lima beans, navy beans, red beans and pinto beans are very high in fiber, which softens the stools. Beans should be well cooked, for them to reduce constipation and other digestive problems.
•  Sesame seeds: Consuming half an ounce of sesame seeds, followed by water is a great way of adding bulk to the stools and softening them, which makes elimination much easier.
•  Yogurt: Many people also cure constipation with yogurt, since it contains probiotics, which is good for the entire digestive tract.

While most of the natural constipation remedies that have been mentioned above are relatively safe for use by most people, it is best to consult a doctor for trying any of them.