Best Foods To Help Treat Constipation

Constipation is a digestive system condition that occurs when an individual finds it quite difficult to pass stool. Dehydration is a common cause of constipation, as the colon draws water out of the food in the intestines, making it firm and harder to pass through the digestive tract. Thus, the less water an individual has in their body, the more it will need to draw from this food. The longer food sits in the colon, the more water is extracted, which makes the feces hard and often incredibly painful to pass. Along with drinking more water, eating fibrous foods is an important part of relieving constipation.

Prunes

Prunes are a great natural remedy for relieving constipation. In fact, they may be the most popular natural remedy! They are a great source of insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to stools and stimulates the digestive tract, making bowel movements easier. They also contain high levels of sugar alcohol called sorbitol, which acts as a natural laxative. These tasty, little dried fruits can also be eaten every day to aid in digestion, regulate bowel movements, and prevent constipation from occurring. 

Research indicates consuming prunes is highly effective in relieving constipation and some studies even suggest eating them should be the first step taken in constipation relief before using over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners. For the most effective treatment for constipation, fifty grams (the equivalent of about seven medium-sized prunes) should be eaten twice a day.