Foods prohibited for constipation (or that do not go well)

He occasional constipation It is a very common disorder. It is estimated that it affects approximately one 20% of the populationespecially women and the elderly.

This difficulty or low frequency of bowel movements (less than 3 a week) can have various causes (such as an inadequate diet, lack of hydration or the use of certain medications) and, when it lasts several weeks, it is considered chronic constipation. Are there foods that are prohibited for constipation that we should not eat in these cases? Although there are no prohibited foods, there are some that are not recommended because they can worsen the problem.

Foods prohibited for constipation (or that do not go well)

He constipation has a lot to do with diet and, in the same way that when it appears, it is convenient to incorporate certain foods into the daily diet, there are others that it is better to avoid (or limit their consumption), such as:

The processed foodssince they tend to have a high content of fat, sugar and salt and a low fiber and water contentwhich can make constipation worse.Some dairy productsas the milk, cheese or ice cream, can cause constipation in some people (especially if they are lactose intolerant). Instead, fermented dairy such as yogurt or kefir can help relieve constipation.

The Red meat (in addition to lacking in fiber) it is high in protein and tends to contain more fat than other types of meat (such as poultry), which makes it hard to digest and can contribute to constipation. fried and fatty foods (such as French fries) can slow digestion and make it difficult to have a bowel movement. refined grains and foods made from them (such as white bread, white rice or pasta) are low in fiber and can cause more constipation than whole grains, since their fiber is removed during processing. green bananas contain a lot resistant starch, which can be hard to digest and make constipation worse. Conversely, when ripe, bananas contain soluble fiber and can therefore help relieve constipation. alcohol (especially when consumed in large amounts) can increase the amount of fluid lost through urine, which causes dehydration and consequently contributes to constipation.

The caffeinated drinks (like coffee, tea, and some soft drinks) are also diuretics and can cause dehydration, which can contribute to constipation. astringent persimmons (which cause roughness on the palate) contain a large amount of tannins, a compound believed to reduce intestinal secretions and contractions, thus slowing down bowel movements. chocolate it is high in fat and has little or no fiber, which can slow digestion and should be avoided if you are constipated.

How to combat constipation

Some more effective measures to combat constipation are:

Follow one fiber-rich diet from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is recommended that adults consume between 20 and 35 grams of fiber a day.

Drink a lot of water and other liquids, such as soups or natural fruit juices.Practice physical exercise on a regular basis, as it helps to stimulate intestinal transit and promote regular bowel movements.

If constipation lasts a long time or is severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine the causes and seek the most appropriate treatment.