Here are some good foods for constipation:
Robina 7 Day Doctors and Acupuncture recommends this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo5u_O98aGk
Constipation is:
• hard, often very small stools
• infrequent bowel movements
or
• a feeling of unsatisfied emptying of the bowel.
What are the causes?
It is mainly caused by simple things such as:
• neglecting the habit of attending the toilet
• not responding to ‘nature’s call’
• overuse of laxatives
• overuse of pain-killers
• a poor diet with a lack of fi bre
• lack of exercise
• insufficient fluid intake.
Constipation can cause a lot of discomfort in the stomach
and rectum and may cause blockage of the bowel. It can
lead to problems of the anus such as piles and itchiness,
and to hernias.
Very important points
If an obvious change occurs in your bowel habit,
consult your doctor for advice.
• Bowel regularity can vary from person to person.
Some people believe that just as the earth rotates on
its axis once a day, so too should their bowels open
daily to ensure good health. This may be ideal, but it
can be normal to ‘go’ every second day or even twice
a week.
Useful hints to avoid constipation
Activity
Adequate exercise, especially walking, is important.
Diet
Take plenty of fluids, especially water and fruit juices
(at least 2 litres a day). Eat foods that provide bulk and
roughage, for example vegetables and salads, cereals
(especially bran), fresh and dried fruits, and wholemeal
bread. Some examples of food with good bulk (from least
to most) are potatoes, bananas, cauliflower, peas, cabbage,
lettuce, apples, carrots and bran. Fruit has good fibre,
especially in the skin, and some have natural laxatives
(e.g. prunes, figs, rhubarb, apricots).
Habit
Answer nature’s call to empty your bowels as soon as
possible. Develop the after-breakfast habit. Allow time for
a good relaxed breakfast and then sit on the toilet (up to
10 minutes if necessary) while reading! Eat meals slowly
in a relaxed manner at regular times.
Laxatives
Avoid laxatives, codeine compounds (tablets or mixture)
and neglecting the call of nature.
Many laxatives can actually aggravate the problem in
the long run and should be avoided. If absolutely necessary,
your doctor may recommend one of the hydrophilic
bulk-forming agents, such as psyllium, or
an osmotic laxative such as lactulose or other appropriate
therapeutic agent.
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