What Are The Foods That Cause Constipation
If we eat an unbalanced diet, in which natural foods are lacking and there is an excess of processed foods and sugars, our intestinal transit is likely to be affected
There is always talk of the foods that encourage us to go to the bathroom regularly. However, we know little about those who cause the opposite effect. In this article, you will discover what are the foods that could cause constipation.
What is constipation
Constipation, according to studies, is considered more of a symptom than a disease. In any case, it is recommended that you go to the doctor before any discomfort or anomaly when going to the bathroom.
Toxins are contaminants that affect food. In turn, if people eat these foods, we also absorb those toxins. Therefore, it is sometimes unavoidable for the body to acquire toxins through food. Alcohol, microwave radiation, additives and preservatives could also pose a threat to our health.
In this sense, external factors, diet or lifestyle may be among the factors that can affect our regularity. On the one hand, not drinking enough water, or eating foods rich in fiber, impairs good intestinal transit. On the other, eating untimely and copiously, not doing physical exercise and being overweight, can alter the usual schedule of going to the bathroom.
However, studies assure that there are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. The first, in contact with the water, forms a reticulum where it is trapped; and the insoluble, are capable of retaining water forming low viscosity mixtures; which speeds up their evacuation.
Causes of chronic constipation
According to certain studies, the origin of this chronic symptom can be found in organic causes, such as Hirschsprung’s disease; in anal lesions, such as fissures, stenosis … It can also be secondary to endocrine or metabolic disorders (hypothyroidism, renal acidosis, hypercalcemia …) or induced by drugs or drug abuse.
However, other studies consider that, in most cases, it is usually due to a malfunction of the large intestine, rectum or anus. And others say that it resides in food, due to an excessive consumption of refined products.
Foods that cause constipation
1. Fried foods, fast food (junk or fast food ) and high-fat meats
They are French fries, hamburgers, pizza (not homemade), pork, cold cuts and sausages. All of these foods are high in saturated fat and do not provide fiber. Although there is no scientific evidence on it, it is popularly believed that when consumed in excess, they noticeably slow down the digestive process and cause problems with going to the bathroom.
At the other extreme are foods high in “good” or unsaturated fats. These are present in avocado, coconut or olive oil, for example. Egg whites, fish, chicken and turkey, nuts, beans, and legumes are protein-rich foods with great nutritional value.
2. Dairy
This group includes milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, butter, cheese, heavy cream, etc. According to popular belief, dairy generally causes constipation if consumed in excess.
Probiotics are living organisms that, when ingested, benefit the person by improving their intestinal balance. They favor the balance of the microorganisms naturally present in our body. Basically, they contribute to the proper functioning of the digestive tract; to routine colon cleansing, especially.
Benefits of a high fiber diet
As mentioned before, there are many benefits to eating a diet rich in fiber. It is not only an effective remedy against constipation. It also contributes to the prevention of hemorrhoids and varicose veins, as well as gallstones.
It is also useful to avoid diseases such as diverticular in the colon or bowel cancer. It helps in the treatments of hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and obesity. It reduces chronic ulcers and allows the incorporation of very important minerals for the body, such as zinc, iron, magnesium and calcium.
The high-fiber diet should be discontinued if there is diarrhea, inflammation of the digestive mucosa, diabetes with gastroparesis, or stricture.
