When it comes to constipation, many people think it is a common symptom that is often ignored. However, long-term constipation can not only lead to various gastrointestinal diseases, but also affect the functioning of the digestive system, posing potential risks to our health. Many people say that eating bananas can treat constipation, is this really true? Let's uncover the truth together.
Is eating bananas useful for constipation?
Bananas contain a rich amount of dietary fiber, a large portion of which is not digested and absorbed, but can increase the volume of feces and promote intestinal peristalsis.
At the same time, bananas have a sugar content of over 15% and contain a large amount of water-soluble plant fiber, which can stimulate the secretion of hypertonic gastrointestinal fluids, thus adsorbing water to the solid part and making the stools soft and easy to pass.
However, if you eat too many raw bananas, it will not help with bowel movements and may actually worsen constipation.
Many of the bananas we eat now are ripened artificially. Although we can no longer taste the astringency of raw bananas, the tannic acid component still exists in raw bananas.
Tannic acid has a very strong astringent effect, which can cause constipation. The most typical example is that after elderly people or children eat bananas, instead of helping with bowel movements, they experience obvious constipation.
Another point to note is that eating bananas can help with treating constipation, but it only applies to occasional constipation. For those with chronic constipation, its effectiveness is minimal.
The dangers of constipation
1. Affects appearance
Constipation patients have fecal matter staying in the intestines for a long time, which can undergo abnormal fermentation and putrefaction, producing a large amount of harmful toxins that can cause acne, facial pigmentation, skin rashes, etc.
2. Leads to obesity
Toxins can cause colonic edema, slow down blood circulation in the lower body, and easily lead to a pear-shaped figure and a potbelly.
3. Accumulation of toxins
The accumulation of toxins can cause bad breath and body odor. Constipation can cause abdominal distension, nausea, loss of appetite, and tastelessness.
4. Nervousness
Constipation patients may experience restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
How to treat chronic constipation?
1. Balanced diet
Dietary fiber itself is not absorbed by the body, it can absorb water in the intestinal cavity, increase fecal volume, stimulate the colon, and enhance peristalsis. Foods rich in dietary fiber include bran, corn, potatoes, brown rice, vegetables, etc.
2. Increase fluid intake
Drink plenty of water, it is recommended to drink more than 1500ml of water every day to keep the intestines hydrated, which is beneficial for bowel movements.
3. Eat more fruits
Most fruits contain abundant water and rich vitamins, fiber, etc., which are beneficial for lubricating the intestines, promoting diuresis and lowering blood pressure, and regulating the gastrointestinal system, playing a good auxiliary role in treating constipation.
4. Exercise appropriately
Arrange your life and work properly, and strike a balance between work and rest. Moderate physical activities, especially exercises that target the abdominal muscles, are beneficial for improving gastrointestinal function, which is especially important for sedentary and mentally focused intellectual workers.
