Many people enjoy fasting for health benefits, but they sometimes experience constipation during fasting. Why does constipation occur during fasting?
Normal Phenomenon
During fasting, the body consumes very little food, and the digestive system remains in a resting state. The movement of the intestines slows down, and it is normal to not have bowel movements or have difficulty passing stools.
Lack of Hydration
Bowel movements stay in the large intestine, and the water content in the stools is absorbed. If the body lacks sufficient hydration, the stools become dry and hard, leading to difficulty with bowel movements. To ensure quality bowel movements, especially in the morning, it is recommended to slowly drink a glass of water. This promotes intestinal movement and facilitates easy bowel movements.
What to Do for Constipation during Fasting
Drink Plenty of Water
The human body is composed mostly of water. Insufficient hydration can worsen constipation symptoms, so it is important to drink plenty of water during fasting. It is best to drink a glass of water on an empty stomach in the morning. This stimulates the large intestine, triggers the digestive system, and increases intestinal movement, effectively relieving constipation.
Drink Honey Water
Constipation is mainly caused by the dysfunction of intestinal movement, resulting in excessive retention of feces in the intestines. Excessive water absorption leads to dry and hard stools. Honey has a lubricating effect and can promote bowel movements. It is effective in treating constipation caused by dryness and deficiency of body fluids. Therefore, drinking honey water during fasting can help alleviate constipation symptoms.
Eat Foods Rich in Dietary Fiber
Water-soluble dietary fiber in food is not easily absorbed by the large intestine. It directly absorbs moisture from food fiber, making the stools softer and facilitating bowel movements. Therefore, when consuming vegetables and fruits, it is best to choose foods rich in water-soluble dietary fiber, such as spinach and apples. It is recommended to eat the apple with the skin.
Precautions for Fasting
1. After fasting, avoid overeating immediately to prevent acute gastroenteritis. Therefore, it is important to have a balanced diet.
2. If you experience nausea, dizziness, pale complexion, or fatigue during fasting, it indicates that your body may be weaker. It is advisable to seek guidance from a fasting practitioner and adjust your diet accordingly. After proper fasting guidance, these symptoms should disappear.
3. If you experience dizziness or increased blood pressure during fasting, it is likely caused by excessive mental stress. Consuming a moderate amount of food can alleviate these symptoms.
