We all know that eating a diet rich in high-fiber foods can help with constipation, so including them liberally in your diet is a great idea if you only urinate less frequently than three times per week.
Are you aware that some foods may result in constipation? Therefore, if you frequently experience this very common digestive problem, continue reading because, in this article, we'll look at some of the foods that can aggravate rather than treat constipation.
Unripe Bananas
Perhaps you already know by heart that snacking on bananas is one of the top home remedies for constipation. What’s so really amazing about bananas is that they are also phenomenal relievers of diarrhea!
Unfortunately, consuming unripe bananas can in fact leave you constipated. You can put the blame on a couple of things: they are packed with resistant starch that’s extremely difficult for the body to process and also tannins that can considerably slow down the movement of food through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Milk
According to studies, a lot of people actually wind up constipated upon consuming milk and all kinds of dairy products. They suspect that it can be linked to sensitivity of the body to certain proteins present in milk and other food products that contain it such as cheese, butter, yogurt and ice cream.
However, it is a completely different matter for individuals who are lactose intolerant — the intake of milk and dairy products can leave them having diarrhea.
Processed Grains
Grains are some of the most fiber-dense foods on the face of the planet. Sadly, not all food products that contain grains can help to make you regular. Those that are made with processed or refined grains are actually devoid of fiber. Basically, they’re just foods that supply your body with nothing but loads of calories.
When shopping, make sure that you go for food products such as breads, crackers, pastas and breakfast cereals that are out of whole grains most especially if you are susceptible to winding up constipated.
Fast Food
Nothing can leave you constipated so much faster than fast food. It’s for the fact that they are usually very low in fiber. Well, they are extremely low in or completely free of many things that your body requires in order for it to function optimally and stay in a healthy state.
It’s important to note that some people may actually wind up with diarrhea rather than constipation after eating fast food — these unhealthy goods are extremely high in fat that can trigger diarrhea and also all kinds of digestive issues such as abdominal cramping and excess gas.
Gluten-Containing Foods
Are you diagnosed with celiac disease? Then it’s a good idea for you to steer clear of foods that have gluten in them such as those that contain wheat, barley and rye. It’s for the fact that one of the various digestive-related issues that you may encounter is constipation, although some people with celiac disease may wind up with diarrhea.
Individuals who are battling irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) are also recommended to turn their backs on foods with gluten in them.
Coffee and Alcohol
Are you fond of drinking lots and lots of coffee or alcohol? If so, don’t be surprised if it seems like you are suffering from constipation all the time. Both coffee and alcohol have diuretic properties, and this only means that they can cause water to escape the body. It’s common knowledge that staying hydrated is one of the steps to take in order to fend off constipation.
Needless to say, it’s important to consume coffee and alcohol in moderation only. And to counter the diuretic properties of these beverages, see to it that you consume around 2 liters of water a day.