Remedies for Constipation: Food That Helps

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Experts agree that when it comes to preventing and even treating constipation, food choices are extremely important. In most cases, the right diet is the most important, effective, and long-lasting remedy of all.

Occasional mild irregularity is something that most people will experience at various times throughout their lives. Though in medical terms the condition is defined as having bowel movements less than every three days, in reality the standard for normal frequency ranges from once every three days to three times a day. What's important is what's regular for you.

For many people, irregularity isn't simply a matter of frequency; it may also include difficulty expelling the stool, with straining and discomfort.

Constipation is a digestive problem - the number one most common digestive problem in the US, in fact - and in the overwhelming majority of cases, making different food choices can have an enormous effect.

High fiber foods - what they do and why they help
Foods that are high in fiber are an essential part of everyone's diet, but they're particularly important for people who suffer from constipation. Fiber promotes colon health and is essential to the efficiency of the digestive system.

There are two types of dietary fiber and we need them both. Insoluble fiber, which is found in foods such as whole grains, fruits (including skins), and dark green leafy vegetables, provides bulk in the intestine and helps waste products move through the colon more efficiently. If the material moves through the colon quickly less water is absorbed and the stool is softer and easier to expel. Soluble fiber, found in foods such as prunes, nuts, oats/oat bran, and dried beans, forms a gel-like substance in the intestines and helps waste products move through.

The good news is, high fiber foods are readily available everywhere, and many are best eaten raw. Here's a list of some of the highest fiber foods:

Beans - most varieties are great sources of dietary fiber. Black beans have more than half the daily requirement of fiber in a one-cup serving, while kidney and lima beans have over 13 grams a serving.

Bran - bran cereal can have up to 19 grams of fiber per one cup serving, but read the nutrition information carefully before you buy. The fiber content of bran cereals varies widely.

Lentils - an excellent source of fiber, with almost 16 grams per serving

Oats - if you start your day with a single cup serving of rolled oat cereal, you'll get 12 grams of fiber.

Brown rice - a one cup serving has 8 grams of fiber

Fruits - Just about all fruits have significant dietary fiber, and will deliver the most if eaten raw with skin on. Some of the best are raspberries (more than 8 grams in a cup), grapefruit (over six grams in one half grapefruit), and apples (about five grams each).

Whole wheat - making the switch to whole wheat bread and pasta can significantly boost your fiber intake.

It's also important to include lots of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic fluids in the diet. Drinking more liquids helps keep stool soft and moving efficiently through the colon.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

What are the best ways of treating constipation? It's not as simple as running into a drugstore and buying the first laxative you see - in fact, the wrong product can make the situation worse! Find out more about getting safe relief for constipation at relief-for-constipation.info

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