4 homemade recipes to treat constipation

It’s such a common problem—especially among women—that some dairy companies invest heavily in a type of product marketing specifically targeted at it. Constipation is a villain of human well-being and, above all, female well-being, and needs to be treated with due care.

The Brazilian Federation of Gastroenterology (FBG), in partnership with Danone Research, developed a study called SIM Brasil (Women’s Intestinal Health). Observing 3,500 women, the study made some findings on the subject. First of all, apparently our emotional state does have a great influence on the functioning of our digestive system as a whole, including the intestine. Disorders such as stress and anxiety, for example, decrease the rhythm of peristaltic movements, responsible for emptying the intestine.

Female hormones also impair bowel function, according to the study, slowing down the movement of the digestive tract during the menstrual period, which makes it so difficult to go to the bathroom when a woman is menstruating.

Research also states that it is important to condition the body to go to the bathroom, regardless of being out of the house or too busy with work. Finally, eating habits and lack of physical activity are also identified as responsible for problems in the functioning of this organ.

Recipes against constipation

1 – Juice with a laxative effect

Ingredients: half papaya without skin or seeds, four black plums, pitted, 200ml of orange juice and 20g of crushed flaxseed.

How to make it: beat the papaya, plums and orange juice in a blender; Finally, add the flaxseed and mix well.

This juice should be consumed in the morning, on an empty stomach.

2 – Vitamin

Ingredients: one papaya without peel or seeds, juice of two oranges, a spoon of flaxseed and a spoon of sugar.

How to make it: mix all the ingredients in the blender and have a glass of the vitamin every morning.

3 – Plum porridge

Ingredients: five prunes, half a cup of water and three teaspoons of honey.

How to make it: soak the five plums in water for about three hours; then remove the seeds from the plums and mash them with a fork, putting them back in the water and adding the honey; mix well and consume three tablespoons a day.

4 – Recipe against baby constipation

Oatmeal can be mixed with baby’s milk, so that your intestines work better. If the baby is still breastfeeding, the mother can opt for oat flakes, mixing it with the bottle and, if the baby already consumes more solid foods, oat flakes porridge is a good option.

What should I include in the food?

Those who constantly suffer from constipation can include some items in their daily diet, so that the body starts to work better. Some foods are fundamental in the treatment of the problem, they are:

• Fruits such as papaya, orange, acerola, black plum, peach, pineapple, kiwi, mango, tangerine, avocado, pear and watermelon, among others.
• Whole grains like rice, flaxseed, oatmeal and granola.
• Legumes like pumpkin and chayote.
• Vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli.

If constipation is a recurring problem, see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. Take care of your health.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.