Constipation is such a great topic to talk about.
Who doesn’t like talking about hardened stool right? Well, 42 million people in
the world are experiencing it so it’s definitely worth talking about.
Bowel movements should be regular. Once or twice a
week on the golden throne is not enough for most people and could be sign that
there’s a problem. Conditions such as medications, bowel disease and
hypothyroidism could be causing constipation. However, there are also other
factors that come into play such as insufficient fiber and water consumption.
Here are some foods that should help you become more regular:
1.
Popcorn
You probably didn’t know that popcorn could be
healthy. That’s because our favorite movie theaters drench it in salt and
melted butter. While delicious, it kind of cancels out any health benefits to
popcorn when it’s swimming in fat. Try air-popping your popcorn instead.
2.
Kiwis
Fruits often contain a lot of fructose which can
cause bloating and gas. However, certain types are not as high in fructose as
others. Kiwis for example have lower sugar and higher fiber. At five grams per
kiwi, you’ll be regular in no time.
3.
Prunes
Prunes are like big raisins but they are actually
dried plums. Famous for stimulating bowel movement, prunes are rich in fiber
and keep things moving along. At 1 gram of fiber per prune, you’re sure to hit
your recommended fiber intake.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is great because it contains two types of
dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble. Both types add bulk to your stool and
help food pass efficiently through the digestive system. Top your oatmeal with
some prunes and kiwi for a massive fiber haul.
Rice
The Japanese are on to something here. In one study
on a small group of Japanese men and women, results showed that those who
consumed the largest amount of rice were less likely to suffer from
constipation. Opt for brown rice instead of white, as it has more fiber and is
less processed. This means it contains more vitamins and minerals than its
counterpart. Both are delicious and are certainly very easy to incorporate in
one’s diet.