Prevent painful digestive ‘hold-ups’

Constipation. One in 10 of us has it. 

Although it is a very common digestive problem, constipation can be extremely painful and disruptive to daily life.

To ease those stomach cramps and free up some space, you may need to take a closer look at your diet.

If you tend to consume a lot of refined grains, sugary foods and fizzy pop, then you should not be surprised if your digestive system gets a little cranky sometimes.

What you put in your mouth will effect how you feel – both physically and mentally.

To combat constipation, you are advised to pack more fibre into your daily diet. Most people in developed countries eat less than half of the daily fibre they need for smooth bowels.

When you don’t get enough fibre, the food you eat moves very slowly through the digestive tract and your body becomes less efficient at clearing out toxins and waste, making you feel sluggish and uncomfortable.

For a homemade resolution to constipation, try the following:

Gather together:

  • 1 cup of raisins
  • 1 cup of pitted prunes
  • 1 cup of figs
  • 1 cup of dates
  • 1 cup of currants
  • 1 cup of prune concentrate.

Pop all of the above in a blender and blend until it becomes a thick syrup. Store in the fridge but make sure you and your family consume it within a couple of days.

Take two tablespoons every morning for a relieving laxative effect.

If you want to prevent constipation from reoccurring, you are advised to steer clear of the following foods:

  • sugary stuff
  • wheat-based products like white bread and pastries
  • stimulants – coffee, tea and alcohol
  • excess dairy
  • fried food.

To find out how a nutritionist may be able to help boost the health of your digestive system, head over to our Constipation page.

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Written by Zoe Thomas
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Written by Zoe Thomas
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