Constipation is a condition in which a person has trouble passing stools, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients with constipation may have bowel movements irregularly, pass small, hard stools and/or have to strain to pass stools. In many cases, constipation is a passing condition that can be treated with dietary changes, such as adding more fiber to your meals. Expand your diet with fiber-filled foods to help relieve constipation.
Beans
Many different types of beans and peas are a good source of fiber, according to the National Institutes of Health. Black-eyed peas, kidney beans and lima beans are all high in soluble fiber, which helps the body form and pass stools to relieve constipation. For instance, 1 cup of lima beans contains 13.2 g of fiber, according to MayoClinic.com. Beans are also a source of vitamins and minerals.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide a sufficient source of fiber that can help relieve constipation, according to MayoClinic.com. For instance, 1 cup of broccoli contains 5.1 g of fiber. A medium-sized banana and a medium-sized orange each contain about 3.1 g of fiber apiece. Fresh fruits and vegetables also contain water, which can help relieve constipation, according to MayoClinic.com.
Grains
Whole grains and foods made from whole grains provide fiber that can help relieve constipation, according to the National Institutes of Health. One cup of whole-wheat spaghetti can provide over 6 g of fiber, according to MayoClinic.com. For a high-fiber snack, try popcorn, which has approximately 1 g of fiber per cup.
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