Published on
updated on
Reading 3 min.
How do you know if you have constipation? The definition is simple: it is having a bowel movement less than three times a week. If that’s you, here are eight drinks that will wake up your sluggish transit.
Feeling of heaviness, discomfort, all associated with bloating… Constipation brings its share of small inconveniences which can undermine your daily life. To successfully have a bowel movement more often, new habits can help, such as consuming these eight drinks regularly. Discover the advice of several dieticians, in the magazine Eat This Not That.
water
The first drink you need to drink to improve your transit is simply water. “The first line of defense to relieve acute or chronic constipation is adequate hydration with water” explains dietitian Mélanie Marcus. “In fact, constipation is the result of digested food stuck in your intestines! Sometimes it’s just about staying well hydrated to get everything going.” she recalls. Adults should drink between 1.5 and 2 liters of water per day, she emphasizes. Before adding: “Mineral waters can additionally provide magnesium and sulfates, known for their laxative effects..
Lemon water
According to dietician Caroline Thomason, lemons and their juice contain a form of vitamin C and citric acid, which can act as a natural laxative for some people, without causing diarrhea. “When consumed, lemon juice draws water into the gastrointestinal tract, which can stimulate the intestinal emptying process” she explains.
Chia fresca
“Another drink that stimulates the smooth passage of your stools is known as chia fresca: a combination of chia seeds, water and a few slices of lemon or lime.” recommends dietitian Lauren Manaker. The insoluble fiber content of chia seeds helps soften your stools, providing a laxative effect.
The coffee
“Coffee is known for its high caffeine content, but drinking coffee can also trigger the digestive system to function, making things ‘move’ naturally” adds Lauren Manaker. Moreover, decaffeinated coffee can have the same properties, because it stimulates the gastrocolic reflex.
Fruit juices
“Juices like pear, apple and apricot can relieve constipation” explains nutrition expert Ashley Kitchens. “Apple juice has a fairly high ratio of fructose to glucose to sorbitol content, which can help gently relieve constipation“.
Prune juice
“Prune juice naturally contains sorbitol, a natural laxative that can also cause gas.” says Lauren Manaker. But according to a study evaluating the effects of prune juice, published in theAmerican Journal of Gastroenterologythis drink was a safe and natural choice in cases of chronic constipation.
Indeed, the researchers found that “prune intake significantly decreased hard, lumpy stools while increasing normal stools and not increasing soft, watery stools“.
An aloe vera drink
Aloe vera contains a high number of antioxidants and helps speed up intestinal motility, which can help you have a bowel movement. According to Caroline Thomason, “Studies have suggested that aloe vera acts as a laxative. However, the FDA does not recognize this as a safe or effective method of stimulating bowel movements.”
Black or green tea
Whether black or green, tea contains caffeine, which can make you go to the bathroom. Additionally, if you add ginger, it can enhance this effect, as it is known for its natural ability to promote digestion and stimulate the urge to have a bowel movement.
Slide: Misconceptions about constipation