Foods That Help With Constipation 

While you probably don’t like to talk about constipation with most people, it’s a problem many people deal with from time to time. The majority of people will get constipated now and again, and many factors can contribute to this issue. 

From medications to menstrual cycles to diet, your digestive health is affected by many things. So, diagnosing the specific problems and their underlying causes can be challenging. 

Not being able to go to the bathroom regularly can be highly frustrating, but it can also be bad for your health. Ongoing or chronic constipation often signals an underlying issue, so in these cases, it’s best to speak to a doctor for help. They are your best option to diagnose what is actually going on and help you find some relief. 

But, for occasional problems with bathroom consistency, you can follow some of these tips on what to eat to get regular again.

• Anything With High Fiber

Many people forget to incorporate enough fiber into their diet. Still, it is one of the best ways to help with regularity. When it comes to high-fiber foods, there are many options, so you’ll be able to find something you enjoy eating. 

Many beans and legumes are high in fiber. You can also look into fruits and vegetables with high fiber content. Whole grains also have fiber, so try adding more to your diet consistently. 

For some specific ideas for high-fiber foods, try:

• Pinto beans
• Black beans
• Lentils
• Potatoes
• Broccoli
• Avocado 
• Pears
• Quinoa

Check out this list of high-fiber foods from health experts for even more options. 

• Prune Juice

You’ve likely heard that prune juice is a good remedy for constipation, and there’s definitely some truth to this. You can try prune juice or even eat prunes. Make sure when you buy the juice that it doesn’t contain many added sugars or additives, as these can make constipation worse. Juice options also have the added benefit of keeping you hydrated. 

Many people even find that prune juice helps them more than some over-the-counter laxatives, so you might need to buy a bidet to help you feel comfortable after you’re regular again.

• Water

While various high-fiber foods are great for mild constipation, water is also crucial. Drinking enough water every day can improve our digestive health, so you’re more likely to go to the bathroom regularly. If you’re struggling with more intense constipation, make sure to drink water to see if it helps.

Overall, regularly drinking water will improve constipation and regulate bathroom habits. And, it will also help you feel and look better. 

What To Do If Food Doesn’t Help You Go

If you’re dealing with constipation, it doesn’t hurt to try a couple of the foods on this list and drink enough water. But, these might not work to treat the symptoms. Instead, it would help if you tried to eat these foods and drink enough water consistently. 

In some cases, your constipation could be caused by other issues, such as medications, illnesses, or other chronic conditions. In these cases, you’ll need to work with your physician to figure out the cause and treat the problem. 

If you are currently constipated and high-fiber food doesn’t help, try some over-the-counter laxatives. If these don’t help, reach out to a doctor or urgent care for more help. And, if you have more consistent constipation problems or feel something is wrong, get help immediately. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.