Constipation is a health problem in which you experience three or less bowel movements per week. A person who is constipated may experience slow stool transit time, or stool that is moving more slowly than usual through their large intestine. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that over 4 million people in the United States experience frequent constipation. Certain dietary habits may help treat your slow transit constipation, although it is always wise to clear the use of natural therapies with your doctor first.
About Constipation
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease, and it is an exceedingly common health problem. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, or ASCRS, states that approximately 80 percent of Americans will develop constipation at some point in their lives. Insufficient physical activity, certain medications, insufficient dietary fiber intake, reduced consumption of liquids, laxative abuse and certain chronic health problems may cause constipation. Hard stools, straining during bowel movements and the sensation of rectal blockage are among the most common symptoms associated with constipation.
A Beneficial Diet
Increasing your consumption of high-fiber foods, such as oat bran, shredded wheat, whole grain breads, whole prunes and prune juice and certain fruits and vegetables, may be particularly helpful in treating your slow stool transit time, or constipation, notes naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine." Other beneficial foods for this health purpose may include pectin-rich foods, such as cabbage, citrus fruits, okra, apples, carrots and beets.
Highlighted Food
Prunes may be one of the most commonly used -- and most helpful -- foods in treating your slow transit constipation. Prunes, reports George Mateljan, a nutritionist, biologist and author of the book "The World's Healthiest Foods," have long been used to help decrease the transit time of fecal matter and as a food source for healthy bacteria in your gut. Prunes contain significant amounts of fiber, vitamin A, potassium, copper and carotenoids. Prunes may retain their nutritional content for up to 6 months if they are stored in your refrigerator.
Considerations
Constipation may be annoying health problem, and it can reduce your quality of life. In some cases, this health problem may lead to other, more serious health complications, including fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse and lazy bowel syndrome. Because there are many possible causes of constipation, it is always wise to have your condition assessed by a qualified healthcare provider. Certain foods historically used in treating this health problem may require further scientific scrutiny to determine their true health merits.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Constipation
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons: Constipation
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph Pizzorno; 2002
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
