When your bowel movements are tough and don’t happen as often as they should, you have cause for worry. Everyone experiences constipation at some point. While it is not usually serious, it can be very uncomfortable. The time taken between bowel movements varies from one person to another. Some people have bowel movements thrice a day while others have them only once every two days. If you go for longer than 3 days without a bowel movement, you might have a problem. However, there are foods you can eat to help you manage constipation. Below is an overview of how and why you should use yogurt for constipation.
Is Yogurt Good For Constipation and Why?
Why is yogurt considered a remedy for constipation? Doesn’t it contain milk, which is often blamed for causing constipation? There must be something in yogurt that makes it effective. Before you decide to use it, let’s find out why and what makes it one of the best treatments for bowel difficulties.
Yogurt is fermented milk. What makes it different from regular milk is its preparation process and the probiotics contained. Before you buy yogurt, it is important to check out the ingredients list. Take note of the sugar content because too much sugar contributes to constipation. The best type of yogurt is organic. It’s natural and has beneficial bacteria. Here are some of the reasons you should take yogurt for constipation:
1. Micro-organisms
Probiotics are useful bacteria found in fermented milk or Yogurt. They are also called beneficial micro-organisms. These are great for your health. Good Yogurt brands contain helpful bacteria such as Streptococcus thermophiles, Bifidus regularis and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. The good bacteria benefits everyone, including people who are allergic to lactose found in milk.
2. Healthy Components
Yogurt has healthy ingredients which include stabilizers. These are starch, pectin and gelatin. These additional components are considered healthy because they boost your dietary intake and enhance the digestion process.
3. Healthy Body Balance
Yogurt is a good body regulator because it relieves constipation. If you have a mild case of stomach obstruction, you should take natural yogurt. Find brands that contain natural fruits rather than chemical flavors. Yogurt made at home is a great alternative because it is fresh. You can have it daily, and it does not contain harmful ingredients.
Other Foods That Help With Constipation
Dark Green Vegetables
Leafy vegetables that have a deep green color contain phytonutrients. These fresh foods are rich in dietary fiber, magnesium and water. Eat fresh spinach and kale if you have constipation.
Beans
Black beans, kidney beans, and red beans, are some of the lentils you ought to try out. These provide you with fiber and magnesium to fight effects of constipation. Experiment with a variety of bean diets for healthy treats.
Whole Grain Bread
Whole grains are rich in fiber. Unrefined bread is a great addition to your diet because it is made with natural wheat grain. It has very little sugar and fat, making it the ideal meal for keeping constipation at bay.
Avocados
Considered one of the most nutritious fruits, the avocado has numerous proven benefits. It has vitamins, soluble fiber, and magnesium, which are great for relieving constipation and stabilizing blood sugar.
More Tips for Constipation Relief
You need to drink at least two to four glasses of water daily, unless you have a medical condition that limits you.
Take warm liquids in the morning
In case of severe constipation, use a mild stool softener like docusate or a magnesium hydroxide laxative. You can get prescription or over the counter, but avoid using laxatives for over 2 weeks because they can worsen the situation.
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