A blockage in your bowels, also known as obstipation, is no picnic. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do yourself to get your bowel movements going again. For example, did you know that eating certain fruits can help you get rid of constipation?
We explain which fruit has a laxative effect and is therefore best to eat when you are constipated.
What is constipation?
Some people go to the toilet twice a day, others maybe only four times a week. This is perfectly normal. Every person has his or her own pattern of defecation. But when defecating is difficult, and you have to do a big message less than three times a week, we speak of constipation. A blockage occurs when your poop remains too long in the large intestine. In the large intestine, fluid is extracted from your stool. The longer your poop stays in the colon, the harder and drier it becomes. Such constipation is also called obstipation.
A constipation is usually caused by unhealthy food with not enough fiber. Little exercise, excess weight, an irregular life and stress can also play a role. In addition, constipation can also result from the use of certain medications. In most cases there is no physical cause for constipation, but very occasionally constipation is caused by an illness, such as a slow-working thyroid gland or a bowel tumor. This is fortunately rare; however, if constipation persists it is wise to see your doctor.
What to eat when you are constipated?
When you suffer from constipation, it is important that you eat healthy, get enough exercise, drink enough fluids and eat enough fiber. Dietary fiber is essential for a healthy digestion and a good stool. Fibers work like a sponge and retain moisture, so that the poop remains soft. They also stimulate bowel movement, making your stool pass through the intestine more easily.
Laxative fruit for constipation
You can get your fiber from whole grain products and certain vegetables, but did you know that there are also certain fruits that are laxative? Here are some fruits that are good for your bowels, and therefore you can best eat them with constipation:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Banana
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Blue grapes
- Pear
- Plums
- Goji berry
- Açai berry
- Kiwi
- Avocado
- Dried raisins
Health authorities recommend eating two servings of fruit daily, which equates to two pieces or about 200 grams of fruit. If you suffer from constipation, it is certainly useful to make sure you reach the recommended amount of fruit. Especially since it has many other health benefits: it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. Would you like to give your bowel movements a helping hand with obsitpation, with other products besides laxative fruit?