Can bananas cure constipation? The fruit that really relieves constipation is...

If you average a week

Fewer than 3 bowel movements

I often sit on the toilet for most of the day.

I use a lot of force when I take the big size

Face flushed red

But the poop just won't come out

There is no doubt that you are constipated!

The pain of constipation may only be understood by those who have experienced it!

When it comes to constipation, many people’s first reaction is to eat bananas, but “bananas can help with bowel movements” is actually a misunderstanding.

01

In some cases, bananas may not improve constipation or may even cause it.

Some friends will retort: ​​"You are lying, eating bananas is very effective when I am constipated!"

Don't worry, let's see what Huaxi doctors say:

Ripe bananas can help with constipation, but unripe bananas or plantains not only fail to relieve constipation, they may even cause constipation.

Image source: Photo Network

This is because ripe bananas contain pectin and dietary fiber, which can lubricate stools and relieve mild constipation;

However, unripe bananas contain more tannic acid , which has an astringent effect on the digestive tract, inhibiting the secretion of gastrointestinal fluid and gastrointestinal motility, thereby aggravating constipation.

02

Which fruits can improve constipation?

● Dragon fruit

Dragon fruit is rich in water-soluble dietary fiber , which absorbs water from intestinal tissues:

On the one hand, it can keep the metabolic substances in the body moist and prevent the stool from drying out ;

On the other hand, it can increase the lubrication of the intestines and promote the excretion of feces in the body.

Image source: Photo Network

● Kiwi

Kiwi fruit contains dietary fiber and pectin needed by the human body, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, lubricate the intestines , and relieve constipation symptoms.

Image source: Photo Network

● Sydney

Snow pears are rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber . Cellulose is a good helper for clearing the intestines and stomach and can effectively relieve constipation.

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● Strawberry

Strawberries are rich in fruit acid, minerals, pectin and dietary fiber , which can promote intestinal peristalsis and smooth bowel movements, and have a certain effect on improving constipation.

Image source: Photo Network

03

In addition to eating some fruits that are beneficial to bowel movements, what other ways can be used to improve constipation?

To clarify this issue, we first need to understand "What exactly is constipation?"

After food enters the human body, it passes through the digestive system, and part of it is absorbed and utilized by the human body as nutrients, while the other part of the food residue and waste enters the colon from the small intestine . The water, vitamins, electrolytes, etc. in these residues will be partially absorbed by the colon , and the rest will eventually form feces under the action of intestinal flora .

After feces enters the rectum and accumulates to a certain amount, it will stimulate the mechanical receptors in the rectal wall , reach the cerebral cortex through nerve conduction, and cause the urge to defecate and the defecation reflex.

Let’s look at the defecation process again. What are the causes of constipation?

① Insufficient water intake and dietary fiber intake leads to dry and hard stools.

② Insufficient propulsion force in the colon and rectum affects intestinal peristalsis.

③Long-term accumulation of feces (holding back bowel movements) reduces rectal sensitivity.

④ Excessive mental tension and stress will affect the brain's ability to issue normal bowel movement commands.

⑤ Impaired coordination between the anus and pelvic floor muscles leads to fecal blockage.

Therefore, friends who often suffer from constipation can relieve it in these ways:

① Reasonable diet: Make sure to drink enough water every day , and pay attention to not making your diet too monotonous, and ensure the intake of dietary fiber ; in addition to the laxative fruits we mentioned earlier, celery, radish, sweet potato, millet porridge, etc. are also good choices.

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② Appropriate exercise: Exercise the strength of the anal sphincter , which helps maintain the pelvic floor structure.

Image source: Photo Network

③ Establish regular and good bowel habits: The most appropriate time for bowel movement is in the morning or within two hours after a meal. Pay attention during bowel movements, reduce interference factors, avoid sitting for long periods of time, and avoid being unable to hold back bowel movements.

④ Rational use of drugs: For example , enema , which is inserted through the anus to administer drugs, lubricates the intestines and stimulates the intestines to increase defecation reflexes. It is a safe and fastest way to relieve constipation. In addition, oral fructose can increase intestinal peristalsis and promote the increase of intestinal water, thereby promoting defecation.

Of course, it is also important to stay relaxed and not be overly anxious.

If you have infrequent bowel movements

Difficulty defecating, hard and dry stool

This situation lasts for more than 6 months

May develop chronic constipation

Encountering this situation

If there is no improvement by self-adjustment

It is recommended to go to the hospital in time .

About Constipation

Do you have any other tips for relief?

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