Constipation is a common digestive disorder characterised by difficulty in passing stools. It is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, accompanied by hard and dry stools that are often painful to pass.
Adequate fibre intake can be helpful in relieving constipation. Fibre adds bulk to the stool and helps it retain water, making it easier to pass through the intestines. Fibre-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Increasing fibre intake can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. In this article, we list some tips to help increase your intake of fibre and help you cure constipation.
Follow these 10 tips to increase your fibre intake and cure constipation:
1. Eat more fruits and vegetables
These are excellent sources of dietary fibre. Aim to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily meals and snacks.
2. Choose whole grains
Swap refined grains like white bread, white rice, and pasta for whole grains like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta. Whole grains are higher in fibre content.
3. Include legumes and beans
Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans are rich in fibre. Adding them to your meals can significantly increase your fibre intake.
4. Snack on nuts and seeds
Almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds are all high in fibre. Snacking on these can be a great way to boost your fibre intake.
5. Opt for high-fibre cereals
Choose cereals that are labeled as high in fibre. They often have added bran or whole grains to increase their fibre content.
6. Add psyllium husk to your diet
Psyllium husk is a natural dietary fibre supplement that can be mixed in water or added to smoothies and baked goods to increase your fibre intake.
7. Drink plenty of water
Increasing your fibre intake without sufficient water consumption can lead to constipation and discomfort. Ensure you drink enough water daily to support proper digestion.
8. Incorporate more leafy greens
Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in fibre. Add them to salads, stir-fries, or smoothies to increase your fibre intake.
9. Snack on fibre-rich foods
Instead of reaching for processed snacks, choose fibre-rich options like popcorn, whole fruit, or raw vegetables.
10. Gradually increase fibre intake
It's important to gradually increase your fibre intake to allow your digestive system to adjust. Rapidly increasing fibre can cause digestive discomfort, so add fibre-rich foods slowly to your meals.
These tips help improve digestion by promoting regular bowel movements, preventing constipation, and maintaining a healthy gut environment. However, it is important to note that fibre intake alone may not cure all cases of constipation. Other factors such as dehydration, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions can also contribute to constipation.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, drinking enough water, and addressing any underlying causes, is essential for effectively managing and treating constipation. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and medical advice.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
