Constipation is one of the most common problems. It concerns one in five people in France. The majority of people who suffer are women and the elderly. Constipation can be psychosomatic, hereditary or caused by unbalanced diet
Constipation can become chronic and affect our health by affecting mainly our intestines. Toxins accumulated in the body because of constipation can lead to serious diseases, including colon cancer. It is therefore advisable to eat high fiber foods and drink enough water during the day.
What are the causes of constipation?
It is important to note that some constipations result from a slow transit of food in the colon, this is called the lazy gut. In other cases, there are difficulties in evacuating the stool in the rectum and sometimes both types are associated. However, some constipation may be due to more serious problems, including the development of a digestive tumor and is most often characterized by the appearance of blood in the stool.
The factors of constipation are:
- An unbalanced diet low in fiber, including cereals, vegetables and fruits.
- Inadequate water consumption. Indeed, it is advisable to drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day to moisturize the colon and facilitate intestinal transit.
- The lack of physical activity that is essential for stimulating intestinal transit.
- Taking medication can promote constipation, such as drugs for Parkinson's disease, depression, hypertension, heart disease or pain.
- Stress plays an important role in the appearance of constipation.
- Pregnancy: This phenomenon is explained by the decrease in intestinal contractions caused by hormonal changes and compression of the uterus by the colon which slows the process of intestinal transit.
Effective foods against constipation
Chia seeds and flax seeds are considered effective foods against constipation and thus help deflate the belly for a flat stomach.
- Chia seeds are rich in nutrients and are an excellent source of fiber and protein. They contain 34 grams of soluble fiber in each 100 gram portion of chia seed. Thus they promote the transit by stimulating the intestinal movement effectively. Other virtues of these walnut-flavored seeds are to control cholesterol and promote weight loss. Chia seeds have a high content of omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, and have a vitamin intake (B1, B3, B9, C and E) and essential minerals (iron, potassium , calcium, copper and phosphorus).
- Flax seeds contain mucilages which are vegetable substances consisting of polysaccharides which have the particularity of swelling in contact with water. These mucilages absorb up to 8 times their volume in water. So by consuming these seeds, the water of the foods you eat is trapped by undigested mucilage, so the stool stays soft and transit becomes easier. In addition, they help lower cholesterol levels, relieve symptoms during menopause. Rich in omega 3, they help preserve the cells of the body.
- Thanks to its pectin content, the apple can regulate the functioning of our intestines as well in case of constipation as diarrhea.
- Organic honey contains a large part of fructose which reaches the large intestine without having been digested beforehand. Thus, when intestinal bacteria begin the fermentation process, fructose allows a certain amount of water to be drawn into the intestine to act as a natural laxative.
Natural recipe to get rid of constipation:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon of organic honey
- 1 apple
Preparation:
Put all the ingredients in the blender to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Consume 1 or 2 tablespoons of this mixture, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also consume it at any time of the day.
Warnings
Chia seeds are not recommended for people with prostate cancer and those who are on blood-related therapy because of their anticoagulant effect.
Flaxseed is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age, people with intestinal obstruction and diverticula in the intestines. In fact, these seeds can penetrate small excavations and cause inflammations of the intestine. They are contraindicated for breast cancer or ovarian cancer. Lignans contained in flax are part of the phytoestrogens and, therefore, can directly feed an estrogen-dependent tumor.