Our digestive system is extremely important for our lives, but it is also a fragile system that often needs special attention. Through this system, our body acquires all the necessary nutrients to keep us healthy. And one of the main organs of this system is the intestine, which can also present many problems. That’s why today we will talk about the main foods to relieve constipation and how they work in our bodies. The large intestine is responsible for finishing the digestion that begins in the stomach, and also for producing stool, allowing your body to eliminate the unnecessary parts of the foods you eat. But for several reasons, this function can be altered, mostly due to a person’s lifestyle. Just as problems appear, solutions also exist. But to know which are the best foods to relieve constipation, it’s important to first understand the main problems we may have related to this.

Main Intestinal Problems

Of all the problems we can have with the intestine, there are some specific ones that we need to know more about, both to prevent them and to treat them in the most appropriate way. These problems are:

Constipation

Constipation is perhaps the most common type of intestinal problem that exists. It is characterized by difficulty or even inability to have a bowel movement. In addition, this problem causes a lot of pain, such as abdominal cramps and pain when passing stool, exactly because of this difficulty. Constipation affects women much more than men.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Also much more common in women than men, irritable bowel syndrome can cause severe abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea. It can also be improved by changes in lifestyle habits, especially regarding diet.

Gas

It’s normal for everyone to have some gas in their intestines, and sometimes this can be painful. When there is too much gas in our bodies, this pain can become very disruptive and can also cause bloating. In these cases, treatment is necessary.

Intestinal Cancer

Intestinal cancer is a disease that, unfortunately, is not uncommon. Its causes may range from genetic problems to lifestyle factors, also including diet, but not limited to these. It is a disease that can be life-threatening and can lead to all the other problems previously mentioned.

Which Foods Relieve Constipation?

Fortunately, for many of the problems listed here, the main solution is a revolution in the way you eat. And that’s why it’s so important to know which are the main foods to relieve constipation, foods that will certainly help not only with this problem, but with many others, especially those involving the digestive system. These foods include:

  • Fiber-rich foods such as: Beans, sweet potato, nuts, popcorn, kiwi, broccoli, prunes, pears, and berries.
  • Iron-rich foods such as: Whole grains, spinach, kale, red meat, peas, lentils, chickpeas, and chestnuts.
  • Calcium-rich foods such as: Whole milk, sardines, yogurt, okra, and tofu.

What Else Can Help?

Of course, diet is a key factor for your intestines to function smoothly, but there are other things you can do to help relieve constipation. Staying well hydrated is important, as it allows the intestines to work properly and prevents stool from becoming dry inside your body. There are also foods that should be avoided, such as processed foods and foods very high in sugar, in addition to excessive alcohol, which can also contribute to intestinal problems. In addition to foods that are bad for the intestines, there are also habits that should be avoided, such as taking certain types of medication in excess, lack of physical activity, and issues like depression and anxiety.

Why Are Intestinal Problems More Common in Women?

As you may have noticed, most of these problems affect many more women than men, and there is an explanation for this. It is directly related to the social expectations about how women should or should not behave in front of others. While men have historically had more freedom to talk about certain issues and act in certain ways, women have felt much more embarrassed to talk about constipation than men. The result is that this type of problem is much more common among women, even if it is not exclusive to them. There are many types of problems that can occur in our body and in our digestive system, but most of them can be prevented with a good diet. And even when they do occur, it is often diet that helps solve the problem. Knowing which are the foods that help relieve constipation can help you in many ways, but especially to prevent discomfort from turning into complications and negatively affecting your life in some way. Also See: Intestinal Intussusception – What Is It and What Is the Treatment? Photo: Fotoshop Tofs