“They actually offer a stimulant effect; they stimulate your colon to contract and can help with constipation in that way,” Chey says.
A few other tips:In addition to the foods above, a wide range of fiber-filled fruits, veggies and other snacks can help keep you regular.
- Berries, though small in size, are mighty when it comes to gut health due to their fiber content. They’re also versatile, Baumohl says. You can put them in yogurt, pile them on top of oatmeal or enjoy them in a smoothie.
- If you’re reaching for an apple or pear, keep the skin on to up your fiber intake. And add vegetables like artichokes to pasta, Baumohl recommends.
- Reach for nuts and seeds, which are a good source of fiber and healthy fats.
- Keep your meals varied and avoid an all-white diet (white bread, potatoes), which can disrupt regularity, Baumohl says.
- Fiber is key when it comes to staying regular, but if you aren’t used to a fiber-rich diet, make sure you add it in slowly. It can be a shock to your GI system if you suddenly load up, Baumohl says.
Beyond food, pay attention to your posture on the toilet since this can affect your bowel movements. Raising your feet, leaning back or squatting may make going to the bathroom a bit easier, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
If your constipation doesn’t let up, call your doctor. Medication may be able to help. You should also see a health care provider if constipation is a new problem for you, you see blood in your stool, you are losing weight unintentionally or you have severe pain with your bowel movements, the Cleveland Clinic says.
Foods to avoid
If you’re constipated, or are prone to it, best to steer clear of matzo, which is dehydrated unleavened bread. In fact, doctors often recommend it for people who have diarrhea, Chey says.
The NIDDK also suggests avoiding fast food, highly processed food (hot dogs, frozen pizza, microwave dinners) and meat.
Wondering about bananas? Go ahead and grab one, Chey says. They’re known to help with diarrhea, but they can also help with constipation.
“Bananas contain a substance called pectin, which has water-holding capacity. So if you have excess water in your stool, it’ll bind up the water and make your stool more fully formed. But the nice thing about pectin is that if your stools are too hard, it’ll also hang on to water and make your stool softer,” Chey explains.
A Recipe for Relief
Feeling backed up? Grab the blender and make a smoothie. Just add:
- 4 ounces of aloe vera juice
- 4 ounces of chopped papaya
- 1 whole, peeled kiwifruit
- Some ice
“It tastes really good, and it offers a mild laxative effect,” says William Chey, M.D., of the University of Michigan.
Rachel Nania is an award-winning health editor and writer at AARP.org, who covers a range of topics including diseases and treatments.
