Constipation has several causes, and it might be chronic or intermittent. Either way, if you suffer from it, you are likely looking for relief. Incorporating raisin bran into a well-balanced diet can ease constipation and help regulate your bowel function, preventing it from reoccurring. Many cereal manufacturers offer raisin bran, making it easy to find at most supermarkets.
Constipation
Constipation makes it difficult to have bowel movements and is sometimes a long-term problem that dietary changes can help treat. This includes incorporating raisin bran into your meal plans. Symptoms include having less than three stools in a week, hard stools that are difficult to pass and feeling as if you have not completely eliminated all stool from your intestines. Constipation has many causes including a low-fiber diet, not getting enough fluids, ignoring the need to go to the bathroom, lack of exercise and abusing laxatives. Other causes include pregnancy, gastrointestinal disorders, some types of medication and spinal cord injuries. Most cases of constipation are not severe and treatment at home is viable. If you are concerned, contact your doctor.
Fiber
Increasing your fiber intake is one way to relieve and prevent constipation. This is because fiber aids in healthy digestion by moving waste through at an efficient rate and preventing it from becoming too hard. Bran cereals are one of the best sources of fiber, and adding raisin bran to your diet can help soften your stools. Raisin bran contains varying amounts of fiber, depending on the brand. Reading labels allows you to compare products and choose the one that meets your needs. For example, a cup of one top brand contains nearly 5 g of fiber per cup, and the same amount of a competing raisin bran has 6.5 g. Men need 30 to 38 g of fiber per day and women need 21 to 25 g daily.
Incorporating Raisin Bran
Adding raisin bran to your diet is a good way to increase your fiber intake for constipation, but doing so gradually will prevent diarrhea and stomach discomfort. MayoClinic.com recommends including a small amount of fiber at a time over a couple of weeks for the best results. Start by mixing your current cereal choice with some raisin bran and slowly decreasing the amount of the other cereal until you are eating only raisin bran.
Uses
Raisin bran is a healthful and easy way to start your day, but incorporating it into other dishes allows for more variation while still benefiting from it. Toss some into your favorite sweet bread or muffin recipe or add it to trail mix. Note that getting enough fluids in conjunction with adequate amounts of fiber is important for treating and preventing constipation. In addition, drink plenty of water or fruit juice with your raisin bran.
