By Nutrition Consultant, Jess Robinson Perhaps uncomfortable and a little awkward to discuss, but indeed this is a common occurrence for many people. Constipation can cause abdominal bloating, cramps and flatulence, which is embarrassing for many people. Ideally you should be having one to three bowel motions a day; these should be easily passed without straining. Common causes of constipation include lack of dietary fiber, insufficient water intake, an inactive lifestyle and stress. Thankfully, this issue can be easily addressed by making some dietary changes. These are the top ten foods to promote efficient elimination:
  1. Beans Often underestimated, they are full of vitamins and minerals as well as being an excellent source of plant-based protein. When we say beans we are talking about broad beans, black beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, butter beans, lima beans and even chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans). Cup for cup, they contain almost double the fiber that vegetables do; making them very effective for alleviating constipation. Beans are also incredibly versatile and can be added to soups, stews and salads.
  2. Psyllium husk Is a gentle bulk laxative that softens the stool, cleanses the bowel, and facilitates regular bowel motions. Psyllium husk is extremely high in fiber and is present in Fibertone – the gluten free superfood for healthy bowels.
  3. Kiwi fruit This furry green fruit is high in fibre and also provides the stool-softening and antioxidant properties of vitamin C. It is high in both soluble fiber, which helps to hold water and create larger and softer stools; and insoluble fiber, which adds extra bulk to stools to allow easy movement through the digestive tract.
  4. Flaxseeds Ground flaxseeds are a super convenient and efficient way to boost the fiber intake of your meals, and can be easily added to smoothies, muesli, oats, salads or legumes. Like kiwi fruit, they contain soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber compacts your stool to make it easier to pass; and soluble fiber holds water and softens stool.
  5. Apple The old saying ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ certainly has merit. Not only delicious and crispy, apples also contain pectin; a naturally occurring fiber that adds bulk to the stool to support healthy elimination from the body.
  6. Leafy green vegetables Vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale, Bok choy and lettuce are extremely rich in dietary fiber, and ideally these vegetables should be consumed daily in raw vegetable salads. High in soluble and insoluble fiber, and magnesium they sweep the colon and cleanse the digestive tract to support regular evacuation of the bowels.
  7. Oranges To alleviate constipation, we recommend eating an orange as opposed to orange juice; as it is higher in fiber and does not contain added sugar and preservatives like the majority of orange juices available on the market. Not only are they high in fiber, they are also high in vitamin C and contain a flavonol called naringenin; which acts as a natural laxative.
  8. Oats Are a fantastic source of fiber and excellent breakfast choice as they are high in soluble and insoluble fiber; which work together to bulk and soften the stool to ease constipation. Make sure to purchase traditional oats that are not processed or sugary.
  9. Berries Encompassing strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and boysenberries, they are high in fiber and bursting with antioxidants. Consumed raw or frozen, they can be easily added to salads, smoothies, desserts or consumed by themselves.
  10. Bananas Rich in vitamins and minerals, these yellow fruits are also high in fiber and can absorb water; helping to keep stools compact and soft. Bananas are a wonderful addition to smoothies, desserts and breakfast cereals.
Read Dr Cabot’s book ‘Heal Your Gut - an A to Z Guide’ for learning the vital principles for a healthy digestive system and further strategies for overcoming constipation. There are specific recipes for easing constipation in Dr Cabot’s book ‘Raw Juices Can Save Your Life’. The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.