Foods that Relieve Constipation

Today there seems to be so much advice given with regard to diet. Eat this, don’t eat that, don’t even think about smelling that! Many foods seem to lead to one result-constipation. If you have experienced this problem know all too well the discomfort and embarrassment this can cause. The number one question may be, which foods would bring relief.

Fortunately there are many foods that can bring relief to constipation sufferers. Exploring these can prove very helpful. Figs and dates are among the fiber filled foods that are effective in the relief of constipation. Being very high in minerals and fiber, these fruits assist the digestive system and have been said to relieve constipation in a matter of hours.

Grape lovers will be happy to note that one or two pounds of their favorite fruit daily can provide them with relief. The fact that grapes are full of vitamins, fiber and minerals may account for this effect. The skin of these beauties also contains an antioxidant called resveratol which only adds to the health benefits of this fruit.

Papaya is another excellent choice in this area. It contains lots of fiber and when ripe is very easily digestible. The protein-digesting enzymes papain and chymopapain are incredibly helpful in creating and maintaining a free flowing system. It is also high in anti-oxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene which produce excellent results in reducing inflammation and improving overall health. Papaya can be used as part of a healthy breakfast, a quick snack or can be added to delicious smoothies.

The persimmon is another fruit that is high in Fiber (3.6 g per 100g) and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. It is also high in vitamins A, C and folate. These nutrients in persimmons make them very different from substances which only have a laxative effect. Instead of just relieving constipation, the persimmon gives relief and also replenishes the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function optimally. Adding this fruit will definitely enrich your diet.

Raspberries make it to this list because of their richness in vitamins A and C. The minerals magnesium, iron and calcium also fortify this dark fruit. This fragile and tasty little fruit can not only make constipation disappear quickly but can also replenish your vitamin reserve.

Dried plums (prunes) are very effective in relieving constipation. Generally prunes are considered to be one of the best ways of relieving constipation. Forty percent of each prune is made up of insoluble fiber which assists the lower intestine in the elimination of waste. This wonderful little food outranks all fruits and vegetables in antioxidant content and contains eighteen powerful body boosting minerals and vitamins. Among these are vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin A, zinc, thiamine, sodium, selenium, riboflavin, potassium, phosphorous, pantothenic acid, niacin, manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and calcium. Bite for bite there is no other food that outranks this one. So eat up, enjoy these foods and have a free flowing colon.