Ask Dr Xiang Jun: What to Eat When You Have Constipation

Constipation is a bowel movement disorder which can present itself as reduced frequency in movement of stools, pain and discomfort when passing motions, incomplete feelings of evacuation, and stomach discomfort.

Constipation can be due to family genes, inadequate fiber and fluid intake, sedentary lifestyle, imbalances in hormones, side effects from chemical drugs.

 

 

For mild and short term constipation, Traditional Chinese Medicine diet therapy may be able to help with the bowel movements. Here are some of the foods according to Science and Traditional Chinese Medicine that can help:



Watch my video on What to Eat When You Have Constipation on my Youtube or Instagram.

Banana

Banana contains dietary fiber that helps bulk up stools and make them softer. This can help with increased bowel movements to ease off constipation.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, banana tonifies Yin and nourishes the intestines which help to ease off constipation.

Read more about Banana here.


papaya

Papaya contains many different kinds of digestive enzymes, has bulk fiber and also some fructose, which for some people can cause a laxative effect, helping to relieve constipation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, papaya tonifies Qi, regulates circulation and movements in the body which helps to unblock any parts of the body that are stagnated or stuck as prominent in the condition of constipation.

chia seed

Chia seed contains a kind of dietary fiber that can be particularly helpful for managing constipation.

Chia seed in Traditional Chinese Medicine is an energy tonic that resolves dryness which is common in people with constipation.


water

Staying well-hydrated is key to the remedy for constipation. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation. If there is not enough water in the body, the large intestine soaks up water from the food waste. This will create hard stools that are difficult to pass through the colon.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, constipation is commonly viewed as being caused by an excess of heat in the body, which can dry out the body fluids, harden the stool, impede the muscle movements of the intestines and make it difficult to move the bowels. Water will clear the excess heat and brings movements and moisture to the bowels.

TCM(Traditional Chin Med), TCM Wellness, Basics of TCM, TCM and ScienceXiang Jun LimDr (TCM) Xiang Juntcm, acupuncture, herbs, traditional chinese medicine, papaya, banana, water, chia seed, constipation