When it comes to constipation, many people think it is a common symptom and tend to ignore it. 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 below.
Are bananas effective for constipation?
Bananas contain rich 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 fibers, which can cause high osmotic secretion of gastric and intestinal fluids, thus absorbing water into the solid parts and making the stool soft and easy to pass.
However, if you eat too many raw bananas, it may not relieve constipation, but instead worsen it.
Many of the bananas we eat nowadays are ripened artificially, so although we can no longer taste the astringency of raw bananas, the tannic acid component in raw bananas still exists.
Tannic acid has a strong astringent effect, which can cause constipation. The most typical example is that after the elderly and children eat bananas, they not only do not help with bowel movements, but also experience obvious constipation.
Another thing to note is that eating bananas helps with constipation, but it only applies to people who occasionally experience constipation. For those with chronic constipation, its effectiveness is minimal.
The dangers of constipation
1. Affects appearance
Constipation patients have feces staying in the intestines for a long time, which can lead to abnormal fermentation and putrefaction, producing a large amount of harmful toxins, leading to acne, facial pigmentation, rashes, etc.
2. Causes obesity
Toxins can cause edema in the large intestine, slow blood circulation in the lower body, and easily result in a pear-shaped figure and a big belly.
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. Nervous exhaustion
Constipation patients may experience restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
How to treat chronic constipation?
1. Balanced diet
Dietary fiber itself is not absorbed and can absorb intestinal water to increase fecal volume, stimulate the colon, and enhance motility. Foods rich in dietary fiber include bran, corn, potatoes or brown rice, and vegetables.
2. Adequate hydration
Drink plenty of water, with a recommended daily intake of over 1500ml, to keep the intestines hydrated and facilitate stool elimination.
3. Eat more fruits
Most fruits contain abundant water and rich vitamins, fiber, etc., which are beneficial for lubricating the intestines, promoting urination and blood pressure regulation, and regulating the gastrointestinal system. They play a good auxiliary role in treating constipation.
4. Exercise appropriately
Manage your life and work properly, and strike a balance between work and rest. Proper physical activity, especially abdominal muscle exercises, can improve gastrointestinal function, which is particularly important for sedentary and mentally-intensive workers.
