THEintestinal irregularity it is quite a common ailment. The causes that lead to constipation are different and to treat it it is good to understand what it is cause. No less important is the appearance psychosomatic. Fortunately, by introducing the right foods into a disordered and irregular diet, it is possible to give it a "positive shock" and get it started better than before.
> Natural remedies for constipation
Kiwi among laxative foods
Natural remedies for constipation
It is quite normal in our culture to use pills or remedies of any kind (natural or otherwise) to intervene on the intestine when suffering from constipation. In reality, the problem of constipation is not solved in this way.
In fact, by using remedies that somehow force the expulsion of feces, we intervene only at a symptomatic and emergency level but we do not definitively eliminate the annoying constipation. laxatives in fact, they are divided into different categories. There are those who they act mechanically, those that they increase the fecal mass and those who they act by osmosis.
The most commonly used ones belong to the category of anthraquinones which, however, should only be used in emergency situation (when you are in the presence of constipation that has lasted for several days and you have to unblock it) very occasional. In fact, these are herbs with an irritating and dangerous active ingredient for the intestinal mucosa. The continuous and prolonged use of anthraquinonia it can produce serious side effects (paralysis of the anus, cancer).
Anthraquinones act on nerve centers and are not recommended in case of pregnancy and in many other situations (colitis). Also included in this category are Aloe ferox, Frangula, Cascara, and Chinese rhubarb (herbs and plants whose presence is typical in weight loss products).
Le mucilage (mallow, Althea, Psilium, Lino, Agar-agar) are, on the other hand, polysaccharides. Their use is not recommended in case of chronic constipation because they could make the situation worse by creating or worsening the "plug" that blocks the leakage of hardened and old stools. They act, in fact, forming colloidal but non-adhesive viscous solutions in contact with water. Furthermore, people who take the pill or take important (life-saving) drugs must take into account that they could absorb part of the active ingredient and therefore reduce its effectiveness together with a lack of absorption of vitamins and minerals.
On the other hand, mucilages are useful if taken before a meal because they absorb sugars and therefore help to contain glycemic peaks in the blood to adequate levels. Their field of action, however, is beneficial in situations where a gentle and protective action is required against the intestinal mucosa. Osmotics such as magnesium they draw water without irritating the walls of the intestine. In the treatment of constipation it is good to avoid tannins (astringent substances with antidiarrheal action).
Stronger with a healthy gut
About seventy percent of ours immune system it forms and resides in the intestine. This is one of the reasons why it is important to keep this "intelligent" organ healthy. The intestine is in fact called the "second brain" due to the wealth of nerve endings and also because it is closely connected to our emotional system.
Stress, tensions and difficult situations as well as a disordered and low-fiber diet have a direct impact on its correct functionality. Plus in the intestine it happens the last stage of the digestive process and final assimilation of nutrients as well as the relative expulsion of waste ingested with food.
If you choose a diet rich in vegetables and fibers by dividing and distributing the various categories (carbohydrates, vegetable and non-vegetable proteins, selected fats such as extra virgin olive oil and not margarines or other oils and fats questionable for our health) and balancing the acidic and basic foods in the right way, then we can guarantee a long life to our "second brain".
Lack of regularity negatively affects our nervous system. Yes exacerbate physical discomfort making us feel bloated and heavy. There is no lack of secondary aspects related to all of this: air in the belly, stagnant stools which lead not only to encrust the walls and mucous membranes thus obstructing the passage of the latter for their expulsion but can over time open the way to various pathologies.
From the intestine, or rather from a dysbiotic intestine, the undigested food molecules pass between the now dilated and porous villous meshes and are thrown back into the bloodstream passing through the liver. A prime example of this step is l'alitosi (waste and bacteria that are expelled from the glands due to an overloaded liver and an unhealthy intestine). It can therefore be seen how all the organs are connected to each other for a synergistic work.
Treating the intestines also means looking at the liver and stomach work. In fact, in the intestine there are the chyliferous vessels (compared to the lymphatic vessels but with different functions) which collect the digested food in the form of a kilo.
You can learn more about all the natural remedies for constipation
What are laxative foods
In the vegetable garden the best is found to heal a bowel that is struggling to do its job. With the right diet it is possible to move even the most stubborn and chronic constipation. It just takes a little patience and good will reviewing their eating habits.
Meanwhile, we must say no to fried dishes, to happy hours based on chips and pizzas, opting for tomato juice instead of alcoholic or carbonated aperitifs. We make it a habit to consume at least twice a day vegetable salads and grilled vegetables or steamed or baked including fish and vegetable protein rich in fiber (and also tasty) and adding good extra virgin olive oil with a lubricating and emollient action.
The apple has good laxative properties and can be eaten raw to improve digestion, cooked or in filtered juice for a more effective laxative action.
Cooked onion has good laxative properties. It can be eaten alongside other vegetables.
Medlars are easily found in markets or in the fruit and vegetable departments of supermarkets. Not always good looking but certainly effective. They are also good in fruit salads but don't overdo it.
Plums and kiwis are perhaps the best known fruits for these properties. They are versatile in the kitchen. They are very tasty as an appetizer wrapped in speck or to accompany cheeses and stews in the case of plums. The latter cooked are as good as the dry ones. You can put them in water to soften them and then drink the liquid for a safe effect or add it to herbal teas, teas and infusions. It is advisable to consume kiwi in the morning accompanied by some other food to prevent the seeds from getting into the intestinal loops, producing problems (in case of a tendency to constipation).
Natural, sugar-free yogurt is soothing and refreshing.
Oranges have a type of fiber capable of speeding up intestinal transit; in fact, they act quickly. Therefore to be used in case a "quick maneuver" and emergency is required.
Lettuce is mainly made up of water, low in calories, fat free but with a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, it is a good friend to normalize and promote intestinal peristalsis (regular and spontaneous movement for the physiological expulsion of feces). It is rich in vitamins including K (contraindicated in those who take anticoagulant drugs because it minimizes their effects).
The water occupies an important place for the good functioning of the intestine. Water hydrates, purifies and purifies. A right amount of water is important to soften the stool which, especially in the presence of an excess of fiber or in the presence of a diet that includes solid and dry foods (bread, pasta, meat but also vegetables without oil) would dry up creating evacuation difficulties, hemorrhoids and fissures. Drinking is critical to the overall health of the body. The mind also works best if the body is hydrated. This point is especially valid for the elderly where the urge to thirst is reduced. A valuable tip is not to limit yourself to drinking only fresh water but also hot herbal teas, broths and soups. The heat in fact moves the intestine favoring peristalsis.
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Other articles on laxative foods:
> What are and how to use laxative herbal teas
> Natural remedies for constipation in pregnancy
> Proper nutrition in case of constipation
> Intestine without rules? How to fight constipation
