Help with Constipation: The Pros and Cons of Laxative Foods

Your stomach hurts and nothing works anymore? Then laxative foods are required. They work wonders for constipation and all naturally.

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Laxative foods are both a blessing and a curse. If you have a sluggish intestine, they are a good way to get your digestion going again.

But if we chew too much sugar-free gum or binge on large amounts of ice-cold pineapple juice, fresh plums or too much other fruit in the summer, the joy is rather limited. Because then we feel the downside of laxative foods. And it can be anything but pleasant. Your stomach is rumbling and you have to go to the toilet quickly.

There are foods that stimulate the intestines. But don't worry, the effect varies greatly from person to person. It may well be that you don't feel anything after a portion of sauerkraut, even though this vegetable is a laxative food. Just like two cups of coffee won't hurt.

Others first get a bloated stomach, while others have to go to the toilet pretty quickly after eating. The laxative effect is often related to the amount you eat or drink. How much you can tolerate varies greatly from person to person. Just try it out.

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Why do some foods have a laxative effect?

Why some foods stimulate the gastrointestinal tract depends on the ingredients. Foods rich in fiber such as nuts, wheat bran or flaxseed belong to the category of laxative foods, but they act slowly and only ensure that you have regular bowel movements. The same applies to dairy products such as yogurt or buttermilk, which are good for the intestinal flora due to their bacteria.

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In sugar-free chewing gum or candies, the sweetener sorbitol can make the intestines boil. As a rule, you will find a note on the package that consuming too much will have a laxative effect, i.e. diarrhea.

The situation is different with the following foods. These sometimes have a natural laxative effect and can be eaten specifically to combat constipation and for regular bowel movements.

What has a laxative effect?

These foods have a regulating effect:

These foods have a laxative effect:

  • Sauerkraut
  • dried fruit
  • naturally cloudy apple juice & other fruit juices
  • sugar-free chewing gum & candies
  • Pineapple
  • Coffee

Laxative foods: suitable for pregnant women?

is particularly common in the last three months. Laxative foods are perfect here. In particular, fiber-rich foods such as whole grain products are to be preferred to stimulate intestinal activity. Dairy products are also good. If you tolerate sauerkraut well, you can also eat sauerkraut. Sugar-free foods and coffee are less suitable.

You should also drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water and get enough exercise. This also stimulates intestinal activity and can prevent constipation - this also applies to non-pregnant women.

Laxative foods for babies and young children

The bowel behavior of babies and small children is very different. Infants in particular can have bowel movements five times a day or only every five days - and everything is fine if they have no symptoms. For small children it is usually enough if they drink enough.

If your stomach still hurts, you can try laxative foods such as apple juice or dried fruit. Dried apricots (available here on Amazon*) many children like it. Some also like prunes. To prevent constipation from occurring in the first place, you should eat a diet rich in fiber.

If you notice that your child is regularly constipated and has sensitive digestion, you should definitely speak to the pediatrician treating you.

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Are laxative foods good for losing weight?

Anyone who desperately wants to lose weight comes up with the craziest ideas. For example, eating a lot of laxative foods or even taking laxatives so that the pounds fall off more quickly. But you definitely shouldn't do that. If you purge too much and constantly have diarrhea, your body loses a lot of water and minerals. That's just unhealthy.

But:Of course, there is nothing wrong with eating foods that are easily laxativeor yoghurt, just as natural as fruit and vegetables, to eat every day. They bring themOK, but don't worry about having to go to a quiet place several times a day.

Medication for constipation

Laxative medications make the intestines sluggish and therefore have a long-term damaging effect. Self-medication is rarely necessary. Unless advised by a doctor, you should avoid it. Then it's better to counteract problems like constipation naturally - with the right diet. But these tips are also helpful when you turn the tables. If you have diarrhea, you should of course avoid the foods mentioned above.

Prevent constipation

The best way to get your digestion going permanently is with the right diet, enough fluids and enough exercise. That also recommendsGerman Society for Nutrition. Instead of resorting to laxatives, you should relieve constipation gently by adding foods to your diet that are.... This is how you can prevent constipation.

Sources:
German Society for Nutrition
Onmeda.de

Important note at the end:Your body is as individual as your character. You have to find out for yourself which diet and which form of training suits you best. Don't let others put pressure on you. In principle, however, the following applies: an active lifestyle with a balanced diet and lots of exercise is still the best way to stay fit over the long term and achieve or maintain a healthy weight.